1^ 


Culman  &  Wheelock 


The  Missionary  Ship. 


m^rv    Av\-n      Chillier 

COLMAN  AND  WHEJ 


»«.  (  ^  APR    7   t9e'    ' 


^eeiuAL 


Ciie  6arli| 


OF  THE  BURMAN  MISSION. 


8V   THE   AUTUOR   OF   "CillLDREX   FIFTY   YEARS   AGO." 


|3!iilnirlp!|iii: 

AlIERICAN  BAPTIST  PUBLICATION  SOCIETY, 


118    ARCH    STREET. 


Eutered    according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  tlie  year  1853,  by  tlia 

AMERICAN  BAPTIST  PUBLICATION  SOCIETY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  in 
and  for  the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


BTEREOTTPED   BY   GEORGE   CHARLES. 
PRINTED   BY   KING    &    BAIRH, 


Go 


Whether  the  subjects  of  this  Memoir  be 
considered,  with  regard  to  the  period  in  the 
history  of  the  Burman  Mission,  when  they 
became  connected  with  it — their  own  age  at 
that  time — or  the  period  of  their  so  much 
lamented  death — in  either  of  these  aspects, 
they  may  be  distinguished  as  the  "  Early 
Called." 

Their  connection  with  the  Mission  in  its 
formative  state,  gives,  of  itself,  an  interest  to 
their  names.  The  historic  position  which 
they  occupy  is,  however,  by  no  means,  their 
sole  claim  to  an  honored  remembrance. 

The  Author's  thanks  are  due  to  those 
friends  of  the  deceased  who  have  kindly  fur- 
nished original  documents. 

THE  UNITED  PRESBYTERIAN  MlSldNllBRARY 
475  lliverside  Drive,  New  York  27.  N.Y. 


m^^ 


(3) 


(CnntBiils. 


Page. 
CHAPTER  I. 

Early  Preparation 5 

CHAPTER  11. 
A  Happy  Voyage 28 

CHAPTER  III. 
Calcotta  and  Rangoon 46 

CHAPTER  IV. 
A  Death  on  the  Ocean 73 

CHAPTER  V. 
Visit  to  Ava 87 

CHAPTER  VI. 
Death  at  Cox's  Bazaar 97 

CHAPTER  Vll. 
The  Widowed  Sunvivons 109 


(4) 


COLMAN  AND  WHEELOCK, 


CHAPTER  I. 

Burmah — Labors  of  Mr.  Judson — Interest  felt  at  Home — Col- 
man — Wheelock — Their  desire  for  the  Missionary  work- 
Acceptance  by  the  Board  of  Missions — Departure. 

Burmah,  as  a  field  of  widening  Missionary  en- 
terprise, is  fast  becoming  familiar  to  us.  We 
begin  to  understand  that  it  is  the  finest  and  love- 
liest region  of  the  remote  East.  We  know  that 
it  abounds  in  vegetable  and  mineral  riches.  Its 
mountain  ridges  on  the  north  are  the  sources  of 
noble  rivers,  of  which,  as  far  as  Burmah  is  con- 
cerned, the  Irrawaddy  is  the  chief.  Flowing 
through  the  centre  of  the  country  from  north  to 
south,  it  enters  the  sea  like  the  Nile,  through 
many  channels,  on  the  north-eastern  side  of  the 
Bay  of  Bengal.  Here,  where  the  main  channel 
widens  to  meet  the  ocean,  we  find  the  city  of 
Rangoon. 

Attempts  to  introduce  the  Christian  religion 
1*  (5)  ■ 


6  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

into  the  empire,  were  made  at  this  place  as  early 
as  180T.  The  English  Baptist  Missionaries  at 
that  time  here  took  up  their  abode,  and  began  the 
study  of  the  language.  They  had  left  their  Mis- 
sionary friends  at  Serampore  and  come  to  a 
strange  land  shut  out  from  the  rest  of  the  world, 
where  the  face  of  a  white  man  was  seldom  seen. 
For  while  on  the  western  shore  of  the  Bay  of  Ben- 
gal, the  English  government  held  large  posses- 
sions, on  the  eastern  side  it  was  far  different. 
Here  the  British  troops  had  not  yet  penetrated  ; 
the  native  kings  held  despotic  sway,  and  but  little 
intercourse  was  allowed  with  the  rest  of  the 
world.  They  were  not,  however,  at  peace ;  wars, 
cruel  wars,  among  the  native  princes,  rent  the 
country  to  pieces,  and  threatened  to  reach  even  to 
Rangoon. 

Meantime,  an  extensive  fire  had  destroyed  the 
greater  part  of  the  town.  Bursting  out  in  several 
places  at  once,  it  proved  itself  to  be  designed,  and 
the  light,  frail  bamboo  houses,  with  their  roofs  of 
thatch,  disappeared  rapidly  before  the  flames. 
We  do  not  find,  however,  that  the  Mission  house 
was  destroyed.  A  retired  spot  in  the  outskirts 
of  the  town,  it  escaped  the  general  wreck. 

In  1813,  when  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson  arrived 
at  Rangoon,  in  this  very  place  they  took  up  their 
abode.     The  same  roof  that  had  covered  their 


RANGOON   MISSION.  7 

Englisli  brethren  now  sheltered  them,  and  the 
rays  of  the  tropic  sun  fell  for  the  first  time  upon 
an  American  Mission  House  in  Burmah.  The 
last  of  the  English  Missionaries  had  retired  from 
the  ground.*  His  family,  shipwrecked  on  their 
voyage,  had  been  swallowed  up  by  the  ocean 
waves ;  and  he  himself  had  been  ordered  by  the 
King  of  the  Burmans  to  visit  the  capital,  some 
hundred  miles  up  the  river.  Skilled  in  medicine, 
his  services  were  claimed  by  the  monarch,  and  he 
returned  no  more  to  Rangoon.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Judson  were  thus  left  alone.  Surrounded  by 
dusky  forms  and  strange  faces,  they  sometimes 
passed  months  without  the  slightest  word  from 
a  Christian,  or  from  a  fellow  countryman.  Little 
intercourse  took  place  between  Rangoon  and  Cal- 
cutta— but  few  vessels  went  and  came  in  the  course 
of  a  year. 

Of  books,  such  as  we  use,  the  Missionaries 
found  none.  The  broad,  shining  leaves  that 
made  such  thick  shade,  studded  with  such  count- 
less blossoms  of  every  form  and  hue,  were  by 
the  natives  dried  and  polished,  and  used  as  we 
use  paper.  Upon  these  were  written  the  Burmau 
books,  and  from  these  the  Missionaries  studied. 

Four  years  passed  before  there  came  a  single 
Burman  who  appeared  to  be  in  earnest  in  seeking 

*  Mr.  Felix  Carey. 


8  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

after  the  light  which  the  Missionary  was  kindling 
in  a  dark  place.  Some  tracts  had,  however,  been 
prepared.  Printing  materials  had  been  furnished 
by  the  friendly  laborers  at  Serampore ;  a  Mission- 
ary printer  had  also  arrived  ;  and  portions  of 
Christian  truth  had  been  circulated. 

One  day  a  Burman  came  inquiring  after  the 
writing  that  told  of  Jesus  Christ. 

'' How  came  you,"  said  the  Missionary,  ''to 
know  anything  of  Jesus  ?  Have  you  been  here 
before  ?" 

''No." 

''Have  you  seen  any  writings  concerning 
Jesus  ?" 

"I  have  seen  two  little  books,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Who  is  Jesus  ?" 

"  He  is  the  Son  of  God,  who,  pitying  creatures, 
came  into  this  world,  and  suffered  death  in  their 
stead." 

"Who  is  God?" 

"  He  is  a  Being  without  beginning  or  end,  who 
is  not  subject  to  old  age  or  death,  but  always  is." 

"This,"  says  the  Missionary,  "was  the  first 
acknowledgement  of  an  Eternal  God,  that  I  had 
ever  heard  from  the  lips  of  a  Burman." 

Before  this,  the  sympathies  of  Christians  in 
America  had  been  deeply  awakened  in  behalf  of 
the  Missionaries  and  the  heathen  among  whom 


INTEREST    AT    HOME.  9 

they  toiled.  "  Surely,"  was  the  language  of  many, 
*'  God  has  a  work  to  do  in  Burmah."  They 
trusted  iu  Him,  that  having  manifestly  a  purpose 
to  fulfill,  he  would  raise  up  those  who  should  ac- 
complish it.  They  brought  their  offerings  and 
cast  them  into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord,  and  in 
prayer  and  hope  awaited  the  fulfillment  of  his 
will. 

The  tidings  from  the  far  East  awoke  in  the 
hearts  of  two  young  men,  resident  in  Boston,  a 
love  for  these  distant  heathen,  such  as  we  may  be- 
lieve our  Saviour  felt  when  he  came  forth  from 
God  to  dwell  with  man  on  earth.  They  were  in 
early  youth.  But  a  few  years  before,  they  had 
been  school-boys.  With  their  books  under  their 
arms,  or  their  satchels  swung  from  their  shoulders, 
we  may  suppose  that  we  see  them  in  the  morning, 
joining  the  throng  of  boys  that  gather  around 
the  door  of  the  school-house.  They  spent  their 
boyhood,  too,  among  stirring  times.  A  mighty 
warrior  had  swept  over  kingdoms  with  blood  and 
fire,  and  the  name  of  Napoleon  was  familiar  to 
the  lips  of  all.  Many  a  boy,  as  he  heard  the  tale 
of  his  renown,  forgot  the  scenes  of  crime  and 
slaughter  through  which  the  Emperor  had  passed, 
and  longed  to  share  in  the  glory  to  which  he  had 
attained.  But,  in  the  hearts  of  the  two  youths 
of  whom  we  speak,  a  nobler  ambition  had  arisen 


10  COLMAN    AXD    WHEELOCK. 

— a  purer  flame  burned — a  diviner  impulse  led. 
The  idol  love  that  was  lavished  upon  the  warrior 
by  his  followers,  these  gave  to  the  rightful  Lord 
They  gave  themselves  to  Christ.  So  great  was 
their  love  to  Him,  that  they  thought  no  service 
hard,  even  to  the  laying  down  of  their  lives. 
CoLMAX  and  Wheelock,  for  these  were  their 
names,  at  length  desired  of  the  Missionary  Board 
that  they  might  be  sent  to  the  heathen.  But  we 
hasten  to  a  more  particular  account  of  each. 

James  Colman,  the  elder  of  the  two,  was  bom 
in  Boston  in  the  year  IT 94.  He  was  an  only 
child,  and  his  pious  father  was  desirous  that  his 
son  might  be  a  servant  of  God.  In  this  hope  he 
was  much  encouraged,  for  even  the  childhood  of 
the  future  Missionary  was  marked  by  the  appear- 
ances of  piety.  Like  many  others  who  have  lived 
to  be  preachers  of  the  Word,  young  Colman  loved 
to  gather,  even  in  boyhood,  his  companions  around 
him  and  engage  in  religious  exercises.  As  early 
as  eleven  years  of  age,  such  proof  had  he  given 
of  his  fitness  for  the  sacred  privilege,  that  he  was 
led  by  his  pastor.  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin,  into  the 
baptismal  waters,  and  his  name  enrolled  among 
the  members  of  the  Second  Baptist  Church,  in 
Boston.  In  these  early  days  of  the  religious  life, 
he  expresses  a  high  sense  of  enjoyment.  This, 
however,  was  by  no  means  uninterrupted. 


YOUTH    OF    COLMAN.  11 

Three  years  after  his  baptism,  we  find  him 
among  among  a  few  who  formed  a  new,  a  third 
Church.  This  was,  not  long  after,  placed  under 
the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Daniel  Sharp.  His  new 
pastor,  then  but  a  youth  himself,  proved  to  young 
Colman  an  invaluable  friend.  His  talents  were 
discerned  and  appreciated,  and,  better  still,  his 
mind  was  judiciously  guided  by  his  spiritual  ad- 
viser, who  perceived  the  probability  that  he  would 
one  day  be  very  useful  in  some  way  in  the  king- 
dom of  Christ.  With  this  view,  he  was  directed 
by  his  pastor  to  the  careful  improvement  of  his 
mind,  to  useful  reading,  thereby  treasuring  up  a 
valuable  stock  of  knowledge.  However  public, 
or  however  private  might  be  the  sphere  in  which 
he  should  ultimately  move,  the  pastor  wisely 
judged  that  useful  knowledge  could  never  come 
amiss. 

Early  aspirations  after  the  ministry  became,  as 
manhood  approached,  somewhat  modified.  As 
his  mind  expanded,  his  views  increased  in  depth 
and  seriousness.  When  questioned  by  his  friends 
on  giving  himself  up  to  this  work,  he  would  reply, 
that  though  his  desire  for  it  was  very  great,  he 
felt  himself  unworthy.  His  reflective  mind  and 
conscientious  spirit  led  him  to  look  with  awe 
upon  the  work,  and  to  feel  his  insufficiency.  So 
strong  a  hold  had  these  desponding  feelings  upon 


12  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

his  heart,  that  before  he  reached  his  twentieth  year, 
he  had  abandoned  the  expectation,  and  having 
formed  a  partnership  with  another  person,  he 
went  into  trade.  But  we  give  a  record  of  his  in- 
ward conflict  in  his  own  words.  Speaking  of  the 
arduous  responsibilities  of  the  Christian  minister, 
he  proceeds : — 

'*  When  I  had  viewed  these  duties,  I  was  led 
with  the  Apostle  to  exclaim,  "  who  is  sufficient 
for  these  things!"  At  different  periods  during 
two  years,  I  was  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the 
difficult  station  which  a  faithful  minister  occupies. 
Whenever  I  was  the  subject  of  these  impre'ssions, 
solitude  was  my  delight.  Unfit  for  society,  with 
pleasure  I  retreated  to  some  lonely  spot,  and  with 
feelings  I  cannot  describe,  would  exclaim,  '  Lord, 
I  am  a  child,  and  know  nothing.'  At  this  time 
I  viewed  myself  as  the  least  of  saints,  and  thought 
I  was  as  able  to  pluck  the  sun  from  his  station 
as  to  dispense  the  word  of  life.  With  these  views, 
I  began  to  consider  it  as  the  extreme  of  folly  for 
me  to  indulge  the  least  idea  of  preaching.  1 
thought  all  my  feelings  were  but  the  phantoms  of 
a  childish  imagination,  and  should  be  entirely 
suppressed.  But  now  the  commandment  lay 
heavy  upon  my  mind  ;  it  seemed  as  though  a  woe 
was  pronounced  against  me,  if  I  preached  not  the 


CONVICTION    OF   DUTY   RESISTED.  13 

gospel.     The  words  of  Watts  would  often  sound 
like  a  peal  of  thunder  in  my  ear. 

*  Gro,  preach  my  gospel,  saith  the  Lord, 
Bid  the  whole  earth  my  grace  receive.' 

"  This  situation  was  very  trying.  I  viewed 
myself  as  altogether  unfit  to  perform  the  duties  of 
a  minister,  and  yet  a  solemn  command  was  laid 
upon  me  to  go  forward  in  the  work.  In  this  con- 
dition I  resolved  to  stifle  all  impressions  of  this 
kind.  With  sorrow,  Hook  back  to  the  time  when 
I  formed  this  resolution.  I  believe  that  it  has 
been  the  cause  of  trials  and  difficulties  unknown 
before.         ******* 

"  During  the  winter  of  1812,  I  was  convinced 
that  my  feelings  were  not  all  imaginary,  and  made 
several  attempts  to  unbosom  them  to  the  Pastor 
of  the  church  of  which  I  am  a  member.  But  all 
in  vain — my  heart  failed ;  and  now  I  renewed  my 
former  resolution  to  efface  these  impressions  from 
my  remembrance." 

^NTot  far  from  this  time,  he  mourned  with  no 
light  grief  the  death  of  his  excellent  and  revered 
father,  whose  "upright  and  unblemished  deport- 
ment," with  his  fervent  prayers,  had  been  blessed 
of  God  in  the  formation  of  the  character  of  the 
son.  He  had  also  other  trials,  inseparable  from 
2 


14  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

his  position  in  business.  Speaking  of  the  minis- 
try, he  again  says  : — 

"  I  began  to  have  different  views  of  the  work. 
The  worth  of  souls  lay  heavily  upon  my  mind.  It 
appeared  a  pleasing  employ  to  point  the  enquir- 
ing sinner  to  Jesus,  and  to  establish  the  saint  in 
every  good  work.  Although  I  perceived  in  some 
measure  the  important  duties  of  ministers,  yet 
Jesus  was  sufficient  for  all  their  wants  ;  he  had 
promised  to  be  with  them  always,  even  to  the  end 
of  the  world.  I  then  felt  resolved,  that  whenever 
the  providence  of  God  pointed  the  way,  in  his 
strength  to  go  forward." 

In  February,  1815,  Mr.  Colman  preached  be- 
fore the  church  of  which  he  was  a  member,  seve- 
ral ministers  also  being  present.  These  fathers 
and  brethren  in  the  ministry  expressed  much  ap- 
probation, and  a  formal  vote  of  the  church  set  its 
seal  to  his  vocation.  He  was  placed  under  the 
care  of  Rev.  Dr.  Chaplin,  then  resident  in  Dan- 
vers,  as  a  student  for  the  ministry.  Here  he  be- 
came associated  with  a  class  of  young  men,  who, 
like  himself,  were  to  become  preachers.  Here  he 
applied  himself  resolutely  to  study.  He  also  en- 
joyed the  privilege  of  corresponding  by  letter 
with  his  pastor.  He  thus  found  sympathy  and 
companionship.  Here  he  became  acquainted 
with   Mr.  Wheelock,  whose  aspirations  for  the 


LOVE   FOR   MISSIONS.    '  OPPOSITION.  15 

Missionary  work  had  already  received  encourage- 
ment. Few  as  yet  knew  that  Colman  had  any 
leaning  towards  the  life  of  a  Missionary.  But  on 
this  subject  there  had  been  emotions  which  he  had 
long  concealed,  and  now  by  intercourse  with  this 
young  Missionary  elect,  that  smothered  fire  was 
fanned  into  a  flame. 

The  smile  of  Christian  friends,  their  recognition 
of  one  designed  by  character  as  well  as  by  desire 
for  the  Missionary  work,  opened  in  the  heart  of  the 
young  aspirant  for  that  office  gushing  streams  of 
love  and  joy.  When  the  secret  workings  of  the 
soul  are  made  known,  pleasant  beyond  all  things 
else,  is  the  ready  response  from  other  hearts.  It  is 
a  pledge  of  success,  an  earnest  of  the  approbation 
of  God. 

But  with  Colman,  this  pleasant  aspect  of  things 
was  reversed.  When  he  announced  his  desire  to 
join  the  Burman  Mission,  he  met  with  strong  op- 
position. The  voices  of  his  fathers  in  the  minis- 
try spoke  to  him  no  word  of  encouragement. 
With  one  consent,  they  appear  to  have  advised 
him  to  remain  at  home.  An  expectation  seems  to 
have  existed  that  he  was  to  be  very  useful  in  some 
sphere  of  cultivated  life.  Eloquent  in  speech,  and 
persuasive  in  manner,  he  was  calculated  to  adorn 
society.  Possessed  of  superior  mental  powers, 
capable  of  comprehensive  views  of  divine  truth, 


16  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

an  example  of  earnest  piety,  might  he  not,  in 
coming  years,  take  the  place  of  a  standard-bearer 
in  our  own  American  Zion  ?  A  feeling  like  this 
seems  to  have  swayed  the  minds  of  those  who 
threw  obstacles  in  his  path.  These  difficulties, 
we,  at  this  late  day,  can  hardly  regret,  when  we 
read  the  words  of  expostulation  with  which  they 
were  met.  After  dwelling  at  some  length  on  the 
WTetchedness  of  heathen  countries,  he  proceeds  : — 
"  Shall  not  we,  who  know  the  true  God,  and 
have  been  redeemed  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  apprize 
them  of  their  situation,  and  teach  them  the  way 
of  salvation  through  the  great  Redeemer  ?  Some, 
perhaps,  will  say,  'we  have  Missionary  ground 
enough  at  home ;  you  had  better  reserve  your 
strength  for  your  own  countrymen  ! '  Ah  !  is  this 
the  voice  of  Christian  benevolence  ?  Is  this  the 
language  of  converted  Hindoos  ?  Is  this  the 
Macedonian  cry  from  the  wilderness  ?  Is  this  fol- 
lowing the  example  of  Christ,  or  of  the  first  disci- 
ples, who  did  not  confine  themselves  to  the  Jews, 
(though  no  people  in  the  world  needed  the  gospel 
more,)  but  went  everywhere  preaching  the  word  ? 
Let  us  ever  recollect  the  language  of  sacred  truth, 
'  He  that  watereth  shall  be  watered  himself.'  Have 
we  not  the  most  abundant  reason  to  conclude 
that,  if  we  send  the  ministers  of  Christ  abroad,  he 
will  raise  up  an  abundant  supply,  and  thrust  them 


LOVE   OP  MISSIONS.  IT 

into  the  gospel  vineyard  at  home  ?  Do  not  Chris- 
tians find,  by  happy  experience,  that  it  is  '  more 
blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.'  It  is  according  to 
the  very  genius  of  the  gospel,  that  the  liberal  soul 
shall  be  made  fat ;  that  he  who  sows  sparingly 
shall  reap  also  sparingly  ;  but  he  that  soweth 
liberally  shall  reap  an  abundant  harvest.  But, 
indeed,  if  ministers  were  going  by  hundreds  to 
India,  there  might  be  some  cause  for  alarm.  This, 
however,  is  not  the  case.  There  are  only  a  few 
solitary  individuals  who  have  any  desire  to  go. 

"  Perhaps,  after  what  I  have  written,  it  will  be 
unnecessary  to  say  that  I  have  an  ardent  desire 
to  go  to  India.  I  pant  for  the  Missionary  work. 
I  long  to  read  the  sacred  oracles  and  explain 
their  cheering  contents  to  the  miserable  heathen. 
How  animating  the  idea  that,  at  some  future 
period,  under  the  covert  of  some  shady  tree,  and, 
perhaps,  within  the  sight  of  a  Pagan  temple,  I 
shall  have  the  unspeakable  privilege  of  pointing 
the  listening  Burmans  to  the  Lamb  of  God  !" 

At  another  time,  he  views  the  subject  in  ano- 
ther aspect. 

"  I  am  conscious  that  the  bounds  of  our  habi- 
tations are  marked  by  God,  and  that  we  can 
never  pass  beyond  them.  There  is,  undoubtedly, 
a  sphere  allotted  to  every  Christian,  in  which  it 
should  be  his  great  aim  to  move.  Out  of  this 
2* 


18  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

sphere,  he  will  neither  enjoy  his  own  mind,  nor 
advance  the  interests  of  Zion.  If  the  bounds  of 
my  habitation  are  fixed  on  American  soil,  and  if 
my  sphere  of  usefulness  is  confined  to  the  Ameri- 
can church,  here  I  wish  to  stay  and  draw  my  latest 
breath.  At  times  I  have  felt,  and,  if  not  greatly 
deceived,  I  now  feel  willing  to  go  where  He 
would  have  me  go,  and  stay  where  He  would 
have  me  stay." 

Again,  he  says  : — 

"1  cannot  read  a  Missionary  account,  nor  hear 
the  subject  conversed  upon,  without  feeling  dis- 
tressed. The  tear  will  often  start  from  my  eye, 
and  the  sigh  heave  from  my  bosom,  when  only 
the  name  of  Burmah  is  mentioned.  Notwith- 
standing the  discouragement  which  I  have  met 
with,  I  feel  the  same  desire  for  the  Missionary 
work.  In  pointing  the  poor  pagans  to  the  Lamb 
of  Grod,  I  fain  would  spend  my  latest  breath." 

The  desires  expressed  were  not  to  be  un- 
heeded. The  Baptist  Convention  for  Foreign 
Missions  held  its  session  in  Philadelphia  in  1811, 
and  at  that  time  Colman  was  recommended  to 
their  patronage.  But  we  must  hasten  to  some 
account  of  his  coadjutor  in  the  work. 


EARLY  LIFE  OF  MR.  WHEELOCK.  19 

Edward  Willard  TVheelock  was  also  a  native 
of  Boston.  He  was  born  July  Itth,  1796.  He 
was,  therefore,  about  two  years  younger  than 
Colman.  The  memorials  of  his  childhood  and 
early  youth  are  but  few,  yet  those  few  are  full  of 
meaning.  Like  the  beloved  disciple  does  tht 
subject  of  the  sketch  seem  to  have  learned  the 
meaning  of  those  blessed  words,  ''  He  that  dwell- 
eth  in  love  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him." 
Since  the  events  we  are  now  recording  occurred, 
many  years  have  passed  away ;  a  generation  has 
disappeared  ;  yet  there  are  still  those  among  the 
old  who  delight  to  recall  the  presence,  the  con- 
versation, the  influence  of  this  youthful  saint. 
More  than  one  aged  face  even  now,  lights  up  at 
the  mention  of  his  name,  which  has  still  power  to 
unlock  sacred  and  tender  recollections.  The  re- 
membrance is  a  joy,  for  in  his  life  the  joy  that 
springs  from  holy  love  was  constantly  and  beau- 
tifully illustrated.  Wherever  he  was,  there  was 
a  gentle  and  loving  presence,  animated  with  the 
spirit  of  prayer  and  praise.  They,  who  doubted 
the  reality  of  the  life  of  God  in  the  soul,  were 
forced  to  believe  in  his  case,  that  the  light  that 
burned  so  brightly  must  be  fed  from  above. 

One  familiar  with  the  daily  outgoings  of  his 
life  of  piety  and  love,  has  placed  in  our  hands  a 
few  valued  memorials  of  distant  days.     We  have 


20  COLMAN    AND    "WHEELOCK. 

before  us  two  small  maimscript  books,  bearing 
date  1811.  These,  in  the  prim  hand-writing  of  a 
school-boy,  contain  much  that  is  illustrative  of  his 
character.  One  of  these  is  completely  filled  with 
texts  of  sermons  to  which  the  writer  had  listened, 
and  to  which  occasional  short  observations  of  his 
own  are  added.  On  the  closing  page,  the  follow- 
ing interesting  record  is  made,  the  text  immedi- 
ately preceding  it  bearing  date  August  9th,  1812. 

"  When  I  began  this  book  I  was  in  nature's 
darkness,  but  I  humbly  hope  and  trust  that  the 
Lord  has  in  infinite  mercy  and  tender  compassion 
taken  my  feet  out  of  the  horrible  pit  and  miry 
clay,  and  set  my  feet  upon  a  rock  I  0,  what 
great  obligations  am  I  under  to  live  to  His  honor 
and  glory !  I  have  great  reason  to  lament  how 
little  I  live  as  I  ought  to,  yet  the  Lord  is  exceed- 
ingly good  and  kind,  and  I  have  great  reason  to 
adore  and  magnify  his  holy  name  forever." 

E.  W.  W. 

His  childhood  had  been,  when  compared  with 
that  of  others,  marked  by  a  singular  gentleness, 
and  purity,  and  obedience  ;  but  as  his  eyes  were 
opened  to  discern  something  of  the  spiritual  glory 
of  God,  he  felt  his  need  of  a  changed  heart,  a 
renewed  nature.  Trusting  in  Christ  for  that  sal- 
vation which  he  needed,  and  joying  in  the  mercy 
of  God  which  had  been  imparted  to  him,  the 


MR.  'svheelock's  baptism.  21 

foundation  was  laid  for  that  development  of  re- 
ligious life  and  character  which  distinguished  him. 
The  seed  had  fallen  into  good  ground,  and  was 
destined  to  bring  forth  fruit  abundantly. 

He  was  baptized  by  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin.  On 
that  solemn  occasion,  the  heart  of  another  young 
person  was  impressed  with  the  idea  of  preparation 
for  another  world.  She  was  in  the  very  bloom 
and  brightness  of  early  youth,  when  the  great 
necessity  of  God's  favor  and  the  soul's  return  to 
Him,  took  possession  of  her  mind.  This  was 
Eliza  Harriet  Newman,  some  years  afterwards  the 
wife  of  Wheelock,  the  companion  of  his  wander- 
ings in  foreign  lands,  whose  history  is  so  inti- 
mately blended  with  his,  and  whose  pen  has  also 
detailed  so  many  of  the  scenes  of  their  Mission- 
ary life,  that  the  two  cannot,  in  this  memorial,  be 
separated. 

In  the  year  181Y,  we  find  Mr.  Wheelock  pur- 
suing a  course  of  study  with  reference  to  the  min- 
istry. Of  his  ability  and  adaptedness  to  this 
work,  we  need  no  other  evidence  than  we  find  in 
his  peculiar  power  over  the  minds  and  hearts  of 
those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  He  now 
became  a  resident  of  Danvers,  a  member  of  the 
class  of  young  men  who  were  pursuing  their  stu- 
dies under  the  care  of  Rev.  Dr.  Chaplin.  These 
associated  classes  may  be  regarded  as  the  begin- 


22  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

ning  of  Waterville  College,  the  presidency  of 
which  was  afterwards  held  for  so  many  years  by 
their  revered  Instructor.  During  a  portion  of  his 
residence  here,  Mr.  Wheelock  kept  a  regular 
diary,  writing  in  it  apparently  every  day.  A  few 
brief  extracts  may  throw  light  upon  his  character 
and  position. 

*^  March  5,  181*7. — This  day  wrote  an  address 
to  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  agree- 
ably to  the  direction  of  my  dear  Pastor.  Enjoyed 
a  very  solemn  season  and  considerable  freedom. 
O  may  the  Lord  direct  his  servants  to  the  adop- 
tion of  those  measures  which  shall  best  promote 
his  glory  and  the  salvation  of  the  heathen  !  Grant, 
blessed  God,  I  humbly  beseech  thee,  my  ardent 
desire  to  advance  thy  kingdom  among  the  poor 
Burmans.  This  has  been  a  solemn  day  to  me. 
One  of  the  most  important  transactions  of  my  life" 
has  occurred  this  day.  0  God  !  may  it  terminate 
to  thy  glory." 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  letter  to 
which  reference  is  made,  it  being  addressed  to  the 
Missionary  Board : — 

"  To  you,  honored  fathers,  is  my  mind  directed, 
as  to  those  who,  under  God,  must  decide  my  case. 
To  you  I  offer,  freely  and  joyfully  offer,  myself  to 
become  your  Missionary,  to  aid  those  already 
under  your  patronage,  to  turn  the  poor  Burmans 


MISSIONARY    ZEAL.  23 

from  idols,  to  serve  the  living  and  true  God.  And 
oh,  if  it  is  consistent  that  one  so  unworthy  and  so 
unqualified  as  myself  should  engage  in  this  glori- 
ous work,  deny  me  not,  I  beseech  you,  the  un- 
speakable privilege  ;  deny  me  not  the  fondest,  the 
most  ardent  desire  of  my  sonl,  that  can,  in  this 
world,  be  gratified.  To  deny  me  this,  would  be 
to  deprive  me  of  the  greatest  happiness  which  in 
this  world  I  can  possibly  enjoy.  I  would  rather 
be  a  Missionary  of  the  Cross  than  a  king  on  a 
throne.  Let  the  men  of  this  world  possess  its 
glittering  toys ;  let  the  miser  grasp  his  cankered 
gold ;  let  the  voluptuary  enjoy  his  sordid  plea* 
sures ;  let  the  ambitious  ascend  to  the  pinnacle 
of  earthly  honor ;  but  let  me  enjoy  the  sweet 
satisfaction  of  directing  the  poor  Pagans  to  the 
'  Lamb  of  God.'  I  court  no  greater  good  ;  I  de- 
sire no  greater  joy ;  I  seek  for  no  greater  honor. 
To  Burmah  would  I  go  ;  in  Burmah  would  I  live ; 
in  Burmah  would  I  toil ;  in  Burmah  would  I  die ; 
and  in  Burmah  would  I  be  buried." 

We  recur  again  to  the  diary. 

"April  2. — This  afternoon,  my  dear  brother 
Colman  and  myself  retired  to  a  secret  place,  and 
united  in  repeatedly  presenting  our  supplications 
to  the  Father  of  mercies,  for  his  direction  and 
blessing  to  rest  upon  his  dear  servants,  who  will 
decide  our  case  with  respect  to   our  going  to 


24  CO.LMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

India.  It  was  a  refresbing  season  to  our  souls. 
Blessed  be  God  I  we  intend  to  practice  it  daily 
when  we  can." 

"  May  6. — This  eve  brother  Colman  and  my- 
self retired  to  our  place  of  prayer,  and  poured  out 
our  souls  to  God.  Of  a  truth  He  was  there,  and 
manifested  himself  to  us  as  he  does  not  unto  the 
world.  May  our  united  petitions,  together  with 
those  of  our  dearest  friends,  come  up  before  the 
throne  of  God.  May  gracious  answers  be 
afforded." 

''  Wednesday  T. — This  morn,  brother  Colman 
and  myself,  in  our  usual  place  of  retirement,  met 
to  pour  out  our  souls  to  God  for  his  servants, 
who  this  day  expect  to  meet  to  consult  on  the  af- 
fairs of  his  kingdom.  0  !  may  our  feeble  suppli- 
cations be  heard  and  accepted.  This  eve  we 
again  united,  and  enjoyed  a  season  of  refreshing 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  How  great  is  the 
privilege  of  prayer !     How  sweet  the  exercise  !" 

^^  July  16. — Received  a  precious  letter  from  my 
dear  brother  Colman,  and  the  report  of  the  Board 
of  Foreign  Missions  from  Philadelphia.  Bless 
the  Lord,  0,  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  Ms  bene- 
fits." 

Both  Colman  and  Wheelock  were  accepted  as 
Missionaries.  But  the  fair  prospect  in  which 
they  rejoiced  was  soon  overclouded  by  the  dan- 


ORDINATION    AND    MARRIAGE.  25 

gerous  illness  of  the  former.  He  recovered,  and 
in  September  both  were  ordained.  From  these 
public  services  they  retired  to  Danvers,  but  in  a 
few  weeks  were  again  summoned  to  Boston.  We 
quote  again  from  the  journal. 

Oct.  20. — Received  a  letter  informing  me  that 
two  vessels  are  about  to  sail  from  Boston  for  India 
in  about  three  weeks.  May  we  be  permitted  to  go, 
gracious  Father,  if  it  can  be  consistent  with  thy 
blessed  will.     0,  lead  us  in  the  right  way  ! 

Nov.  8. — To-morrow  morn  I  expect  to  give 
my  hand  to  my  dearest  Harriet,  to  be  united  to 
her  for  life.  How  solemn,  how  important  the  act ! 
May  I  realize  it  to  be  such.  May  I  remember 
that  very  happy  or  very  miserable  will  be  the  re- 
sult of  this  union.  God,  I  trust,  has  directed  me 
in  this  choice  ;  he,  I  trust,  will  bless  us  and  make 
us  helpmeets  to  each  other.  0,  may  this  be  the 
case.  May  I  (as  I  doubt  not  I  shall)  find  in  my 
beloved  Harriet  all  that  which  is  necessary  to 
render  her  an  agreeable,  a  useful,  and  an  affec- 
tionate wife.  And  0,  may  she  find  in  her  unwor- 
thy friend  all  that  tenderness,  that  sympathy,  that 
attention,  that  interest,  and  that  affection  which 
are  so  justly  her  due.  To  thee,  Heavenly  Father, 
do  we  unitedly  look,  for  thy  blessing  to  rest  upon 
us.  May  this  union  be  productive  of  great  mu- 
tual good,  productive  of  great  good  to  thy  blessed 
3 


26  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

cause,  and  to  the  poor  heathen.  United  may  we 
go  to  Burmah — there  may  we  live,  there  may  we 
labor,  there  may  we  die.  0,  God,  how  great  are 
thy  blessings !  But  they  are  not  too  great  for 
thee  to  bestow. 

The  day  of  their  departure  arrived.  It  was  the 
10th  of  November,  1811.  The  farewell  scenes, 
since  so  frequently  repeated,  had  then  the  exciting 
interest  of  novelty.  The  crowded  decks — the 
unwonted  voice  of  prayer — the  floating  sound  of 
solemn  melody — the  bursting  sobs  of  friends — the 
contrasted  calmness  of  the  missionaries — such  were 
the  scenes  of  that  solemn  Sabbath  morning.  The 
order  is  given  to  clear  the  ship.  The  last  words 
have  been  spoken — the  last  embraces  given — the 
last  tears  kissed  from  the  pale  cheeks  of  mothers 
and  sisters — the  assembled  friends  are  all  on  the 
wharf,  and  the  vessel  about  to  part  from  her 
moorings.  Suddenly,  the  crowd  opens.  For 
whom  does  it  make  way?  One  of  middle  age 
and  manly  bearing  appears ;  he  stands  by  the  ves- 
sel's side,  with  uncovered  head. 

'' Willard,  my  dear  soul  let  me  see  your  face 
once  more !" 

Wheelock,  thus  addressed,  advances  to  the  ves- 
sel's side,  and  the  youthful  Missionary  stands  with 
uncovered  brow  before  his  loved  and  honored 
parent.     The  crowd  hold  their  breath,  while  the 


THEIR   DEPARTURE.  2T 

father  takes  one  long  look  at  the  countenance  of 
the  son  so  worthy  of  his  love,  and  turns  away  in 
silence  to  depart.  Immediately  the  vessel  is  under 
way,  the  forms  of  the  Missionaries  are  soon  lost 
in  the  distance,  even  the  waving  of  white  hand- 
kerchiefs can  be  no  longer  seen — parents,  sisters 
and  brothers,  return  to  their  desolated  homes  in 
silence  and  in  prayer. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Journals  of  the  Missionaries — Religious  Interest  among  the 
Sailors — A  storm  at  sea — Island  of  St.  Anthony — A  pleasant 
Sabbath — Sight  of  land — Arrival  at  Calcutta. 

The  journals  and  letters  of  the  Missionaries 
furnish  interesting  details  concerning  the  events 
of  the  voyage  from  Boston  to  Calcutta. 

Extracts  from  Mr.  Wheelock's  Journal. 

At  Sea,  Nov.  29. — Mr.  Wheelock  writes  : — 
One  day  only  has  passed  without  sea-sickness. 
Harriet  has  been  the  least  affected  of  our  little 
band.  For  the  greater  part  of  the  time,  I  have 
been  confined  to  my  room.  Family  prayers  have 
been  attended  every  morn  and  eve  in  the  cabin, 
since  last  Lord's  day.  This,  we  consider  a  great 
privilege.  As  yet  we  have  had  no  preaching  on 
board.  To-morrow  we  hope  to  be  favored  with 
it.  Though  confined  to  my  bed,  I  have  enjoyed 
the  privilege  of  reading  considerably.  Prideaux 
on  the  connection  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament, 
I  have  found  highly  interesting  and  instructive. 
(28) 


JOURNAL    OF    MR.    WHEELOCK.  29 

It  reflects  mucli  light  upon  the  prophecies  and 
historical  parts  of  Scripture.  Reading  this  work 
and  the  blessed  Bible  has  occupied  much  of  my 
time. 

Dec.  4.  {Thursday.) — We  have  had  a  most  de- 
lightful day.  The  breezes  were  gentle,  the  water 
calm,  the  sun  resplendent.  I  have  been  on  deck 
the  greater  part  of  the  day  ;  have  not  felt  so  well 
one  day  since  we  sailed. 

6.  {Saturday  evening.) — In  peace  I  close  ano- 
ther week ;  am  more  than  two  thousand  miles 
from  my  dear  native  land,  and  still  dearer  friends. 
But  God  is  here.  And  here  he  sheds  abroad  his 
love  in  my  heart,  manifests  his  pardoning  mercy, 
and  affords  the  richest  consolations.  ''  The  Com- 
foi'ter,^''  not  a  comforter,  but  the  Comforter  is 
here,  sent  down  from  Heaven.  Jesus  does  not 
forget  his  ancient  promise.  How  striking  and 
how  just  is  the  name  of  the  blessed  Author  of  all 
our  joys — "  The  Comforter  !^^  He  comforts  the 
people  of  God.  ''  Him  the  world  cannot  receive." 
Why  ?  "  Because  it  seeth  him  not,  neither  know- 
eth  him,  but  ye  know  him,"  says  Jesus  to  his  dis- 
ciples, "for  he  dwelleth  with  you  and  shall  be  in 
you."  Blessed  Jesus !  make  us  thankful  for  this 
gracious  promise,  and  fulfill  it  daily  to  our  souls. 

^.  {Lord^s  day.) — We  have  been  favored  with 
divine  worship  all  day.  In  the  afternoon,  brother 
3* 


30  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

Colman  preached  from  John  8 :  37.  It  was  an 
interesting  season.  Light  winds — favorable  to 
the  meeting. 

13. — To-morrow,  the  Lord  wilHng,  I  shall 
speak  on  board  for  the  first  time.  May  I  be  pre- 
l^ared  and  assisted  to  speak  a  word  in  season. 

It  has  been  very  justly  remarked,  that  a  life 
spent  at  sea  affords  very  little  variety. 

14.  {Lordh-day.) — In  the  morning  attended 
divine  worship  below.  The  Captain  favored  ns 
with  his  company.  A  portion  of  scripture  and  of 
"  Owen  on  Spiritual  Mindedness"  was  read.  In 
the  afternoon  spoke  on  deck  from  Matt.  22 :  42. 
''What  think  ye  of  Christ?"  The  season  was 
very  solemn.  O,  may  it  not  be  in  vain.  My 
heart  feels  for  these  poor  sailors.  It  was  pleasant 
to  have  the  privilege  of  once  more  directing  the 
attention  of  my  fellow  sinners  to  the  blessed 
Saviour.  This  is  the  first  discourse  that  I  have 
delivered  since  I  spoke  for  Mr.  Colman  at  Dor- 
chester. 

28.  {Lord''s-day.) — Attended  divine  worship  as 
usual.  In  the  afternoon  spoke  from  Luke  19  :  10. 
May  salvation  come  to  the  ship  I  We  visit  the 
sailors  every  Lord's  day  morning,  to  read  and  pray 
with  them.  Two  of  them  we  instruct  in  reading. 
They  are  very  grateful. 

31. — This  year  has  drawn  to  a  close.    0,  that 


A    SAILOR    AWAKENED.  31 

I  may  commence  the  approaching  year  with  God, 
and,  if  my  life  is  spared,  spend  it  in  his  service. 

"  0  for  a  closer  walk  with  God, 
A  calm  and  heavenly  frame." 

Christian,  wouldst  thou  live  ?  Forget  not  then 
to  pray  much,  to  pray  often  and  fervently.  For- 
get not  to  meditate  much  upon  the  love,  the  con- 
descension, the  dignity,  the  intrinsic  excellencies 
and  perfections  of  Jesus. 

Feb.  1-  {Lorcfs-day.) — In  the  morning  had  an 
interesting  and  solemn  season  in  prayer  with  the 
sailors.  Had  some  conversation  with  James,  and 
obtained  some  evidence  that  he  is  a  Christian. 
No  public  worship  to-day  on  deck,  on  account  of 
the  weather.  Below,  however,  we  enjoyed  divine 
service. 

2. — This  afternoon  we  have  had  our  monthly 
prayer-meeting.  It  was  a  sweet  season.  It  is 
good  for  me  to  draw  near  to  God.  In  the  even- 
ing, had  some  conversation  with  Stephen,  another 
of  the  sailors,  an  amiable  youth.  He  appeared 
deeply  sensible  of  his  sins.  His  heart  appeared 
rent  with  anguish.  He  was  desirous  of  convers- 
ing upon  religion,  and  had  been  for  some  time 
Blessed  be  God  for  this  new  expression  of  his 
mercy.     Surely  he  is  in  this  {ship,)  though  I  knetv 


32  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

it  not.  My  heart  has  felt,  and  does  peculiarly 
feel  for  these  sailors. 

3. — Attended  to  our  usual  studies — Hebrew 
and  Greek.  My  soul  has  been  filled  with  admi- 
ration, on  reading  "  Browm's  History  of  Missions." 
Especially  did  the  exertions  and  sufferings  of  the 
"  United  Brethren"  touch  my  heart.  They,  in- 
deed, manifested  zeal  and  perseverance  worthy  of 
the  Christian  Missionary.  They  endured  hardness 
as  good  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ.  They  met  death 
and  danger  in  the  face.  To  convert  the  wretched 
Greenlander  from  the  error  of  his  ways,  they  en- 
dured every  privation. 

6. — "  The  fear  of  man  bringeth  a  snare."  For 
the  Christian  to  fear  to  be  singular,  will  bring 
death  into  his  soul.  To  be  independent  and  in- 
different both  to  the  smiles  and  frowns  of  the 
world,  will  best  enable  him  to  live  like  Christ. 

20. — This  day  the  power  of  God  has  been 
manifest.  He  is  in  the  midst  of  us.  This  after- 
noon, James  requested  me  to  come  below  to  con- 
verse with  him.  Another  with  whom  I  conversed 
seemed  very  solemn.  L.  was  in  an  agony,  said 
he  never  felt  his  sins  so  sensibly  as  yesterday, 
when  brother  Colman  conversed  with  him.  I 
promised  to  pray  wdth  him.  All  consented. 
We  bowed  the  knee  and  called  on  God.  Every 
person  present  was  deeply  affected      This  even- 


MORE    SAILORS   IMPRESSED.  33 

ing  I  was  again  sent  for,  to  pray  with  the  sail- 
ors. I  went,  and  what  did  I  behold  ?  The 
place  echoed  with  the  groans  of  the  wounded. 
God  was  evidently  there.  All  were  solemn.  I 
addressed  Jacob,  one  of  the  sailors,  who  was 
greatly  distressed  ;  but  soon  found  it  expedient  to 
pray.  After  prayer  I  found  brother  Colman  had 
also  come  down.  We  both  conversed  with  them 
and  then  prayed  again. 

L.  professed  that  he  had  found  relief  to  his 
mind  after  prayer  in  the  afternoon,  and  was  now 
rejoicing  in  the  Lord.  Surely  angels  rejoiced. 
How  good  is  the  Lord  !  I  feared  that  I  was  too 
unworthy  to  be  employed  in  converting  sinners  to 
God.  But,  blessed  be  his  name,  he  seeth  not  as 
man  seeth.  I  pause,  admire,  and  adore  the  riches 
of  divine  grace.  We  afterwards  conversed  with 
Mr.  D.,  the  second  mate,  who  appeared  very 
solemn.  I  longed  to  get  to  my  room  and  pray. 
H.  and  myself,  repeatedly  joined  in  prayer.  Let 
your  prayers,  my  dear  friends,  repeatedly  ascend 
with  ours.  Nor  let  us  cease  to  pray  while  there 
is  an  unconverted  soul  upon  the  face  of  the 
earth. 

21. — This  has  been  a  blessed  day.  Have  had 
frequent  conversation  with  the  sailors.  Every 
countenance  is  solemn.     N.  gives  us  much  evi- 

475  liversiiie  Drive.  New  York  27,  H.Y. . 


34  COLMAN    AXD    TVHEELOCK. 

in  his  heart.  James  is  very  happy  to-day,  though 
last  night  he  was  much  tried.  Samuel,  whom  I 
instruct  in  reading,  appeared  much  affected  this 
morning.  Brother  Colman  visited  them  below. 
Mr.  D.,  the  second  mate,  still  appears  very  serious. 
0,  Lord,  carry  on  the  work,  we  humbly  beseech 
thee.  Accept  our  grateful  praises  for  what  thou 
hast  done.  0,  glorify  thyself.  This  evening  had 
a  precious  meeting  with  brother  Colman  and 
brother  Titcomb.  The  blessed  Jesus  was  indeed 
present. 

22.  {LorcVs-day.) — This  is  the  most  blessed 
Sabbath  that  I  ever  saw,'  say  James  and  N. 
Surely  it  is  the  most  blessed  by  far,  that  I  have 
seen  on  board.  I  cannot  but  admire  the  good- 
ness and  mercy  of  God.  Enjoyed  the  privilege 
of  praying  with  the  sailors.    Conversed,  then  sung, 

"  When  God  revealed  his  gracious  name,  &c" 

How  delightful  it  was  to  see  these  sailors,  who 
were,  a  short  time  since,  swearing,  now  praying. 
Blessed  be  God  I  Even  the  man  at  the  helm  was 
released  by  the  mate,  who  kindly  took  his  place, 
and  permitted  him  to  attend  prayers.  In  the 
afternoon,  brother  Colman  delivered  a  very  good 
discourse  from  John  3  :.  16.  "  God  so  loved  the 
world,  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son." 


CONVERSION    OF    SAILORS.  35 

March  5. — T  have  omitted  a  number  of  cir- 
cumstances purposely,  fearing  that  I  should  write 
in  too  glowing  terms  of  the  young  converts. 

IT. — Attended  to  my  studies  as  usual  in  the 
morning,  but  in  the  afternoon  I  was  called  for- 
ward to  converse  with  the  sailors.  Conversed 
with  Stephen,  who  appeared  much  dejected. 
Afterward  with  another,  who  seemed  very  sensi- 
ble of  his  sins.  We  feared  that  the  latter  had 
lost  his  impressions,  and,  indeed,  he  has  appeared 
quite  careless,  but  our  hopes  are  again  raised. 
0,  may  the  Lord  convert  his  soul.  Endeavored 
to  pray  with  him  repeatedly.  It  was  a  solemn 
season. 

18. — This  eve,  had  some  further  conversation 
with  the  sailors.  My  hopes  and  fears  are  much 
excited  about  them.  Of  some,  I  feel  much  confi- 
dence in  their  piety ;  of  others,  I  stand  in  doubt. 

22. — This  has  been  a  very  solemn  day.  In 
the  morning  had  an  excellent  meeting.  Capt. 
B.  was  present.  We  held  our  meeting  in  tlie 
cabin. 

April  8. — This  morning,  our  hearts  were  glad- 
dened by  the  joyful  sound  of  "land!  land!" 
It  was  the  coast  of  Golconda.  The  water  assumed 
a  new  hue,  and,  indeed,  we  could  smell  the  land. 
This  was  truly  reviving.  We  had  seen  nothing 
but  sky  and  water  for  one  hundred  and  forty-three 


36  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

days,  except  the  glimpse  of  St.  Anthony.  We 
hope  to  arrive  at  Calcutta  in  about  a  week. 

This  evening,  for  the  first  time,  saw  the  sun  set 
beneath  the  distant  hills,  instead  of  sinking  into 
the  ocean.  The  sound  of  "  Land  !"  this  morning, 
reminded  me  of  that  far  more  blessed  period  when 
the  dying  believer,  closing  the  voyage  of  life, 
beholds  with  rapture  the  Heavenly  Canaan,  and 
hails  the  blissful  shore  with  unspeakable  delight. 
May  it  be  our  happy  case  at  last.  Now  we  are 
approaching  a  land  of  darkness,  the  habitation  of 
cruelty.  But  the  dying  saint  approaches  everlast- 
ing light — the  Kingdom  of  Heaven — the  abode 
of  the  blessed  ! " 

The  details  of  this  voyage  give  pleasing  proof 
that  the  Missionaries,  though  so  desirous  of  preach- 
ing the  gospel  in  foreign  lands,  were  by  no  means 
guilty  of  the  absurdity  of  neglecting  the  duties 
nearest  at  hand  for  those  afar  off.  Aware  that 
to  these  sailors  who  appeared  forgetful  of  God  a 
new  life  was  as  necessary  and  salvation  as  pre- 
cious, as  to  the  heathen  to  whom  the  gospel  was 
to  be  carried  by  their  efforts,  they  did  not  neglect 
to  seek  for  that  intercourse  with  those  around, 
which  resulted  in  affection  and  confidence,  and 
with  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  in  the  conver- 
sion of  several. 

A  few  more  particulars  descriptive  of  the  same 


MRS.  wheelock's  jourxal.  37 

scenes  we  find  in  the  journals  of  the  other  Mission- 
aries. Mrs.  Wheelock  has  detailed  some  of  the 
occurrences  of  the  voyage  in  a  manner  so  inter- 
esting, that  we  make  a  few  extracts  from  her  pen. 

"  Ever  memorable  will  be  the  16th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1817,  a  season  when  all  the  feelings  of  my 
soul,  both  painful  and  jo5^ul,  were  called  into  ac- 
tion— painful,  because  I  never  expected  to  see 
those  dear  friends  again,  whose  half-articulated 
sound,  'farewell,'  then  reached  my  ear — painful, 
because  that,  instead  of  spending  the  remainder 
of  my  life  in  a  civilized  land  among  moral  and 
religious  people,  I  shall  pass  away  my  earthly 
existence  in  a  foreign,  sultry  clime,  surrounded  by 
pagans,  who  are  destitute  of  the  common  feelings 
of  humanity ;  yet  joyful,  because  God  has  con- 
ferred on  me  the  great  privilege  of  walking  in 
tills  self-denying  path — joyful,  because  that  at 
some  future  period,  I  hope  to  be  useful  to  the 
poor  deluded  creatures  who  inhabit  that  part  of 
the  world,  in  being  the  instrument  employed  by  a 
wise  and  gracious  God,  of  bringing  them  to  a 
saving  acquaintance  with  the  Saviour  of  lost  sin- 
ners. When  I  entered  the  floating  prison,  a  sweet 
serenity,  unknown  before,  possessed  my  bosom. 
I  remembered  the  season  when,  weeping  over  the 
deplorable  state  of  the  heathen,  I  pitied  them ; 
and  now  my  soul  was  affected  with  the  goodness 
4 


38  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

and  condescension  of  God  in  giving  me  an  oppor- 
tunity of  going  to  those  benighted  regions. 

Nov.  31,  1817. — Among  the  most  solemn  of  my 
days  must  be  numbered  the  last  Sabbath.  On 
that  day  we  hoped  to  enjoy  divine  worship  on 
deck.  In  the  morning  attended  prayers  as  usual. 
At  10  o'clock,  we  met  in  one  of  our  little  rooms 
for  social,  divine  worship.  Prayer  was  offered  by 
brother  Titcomb,  after  which  a  hymn  was  read, 
and  then  a  chapter  in  '  Owen  on  Spiritual  Mind- 
edness ;'  and  the  meeting  was  closed  by  prayer.  At 
12  o'clock  we  attempted  to  dine.  We  were  seated 
around  the  table,  when  lo  !  a  sudden  storm  arose. 
To  describe  the  scenes  of  the  next  half  hour  re- 
quires an  abler  pen  than  mine.  Every  moment 
we  expected  to  be  engulfed  in  the  mighty  waves. 
After  the  storm  had  abated,  Capt.  Bangs  said, 
that  during  all  his  voyages  he  had  never  suffered 
so  much  damage  as  on  this  occasion.  The  main 
and  fore-top-sails,  together  with  jib  and  fore-top 
main  stay-sails  and  spanker,  were  very  much  split. 
The  gaff  was  also  broken.  Through  divine  mercy 
no  lives  were  lost.  During  this  tempestous  sea- 
son, I  trust  my  soul  was  stayed  on  God.  Kever 
did  I  view  death  so  near,  and  never  did  I  feel 
so  safe  and  happy.  Truly,  says  the  pious  Psalmist, 
*unto  God,  the  Lord,  belong  the  issues  from 
death.'     By  his  irresistible  power,  he  has  pre- 


MRS.    TVHEELOCK's    JOURNAL.  39 

served  us  in  the  time  of  trouble.  Underneath  us 
were  the  everlasting  arms.  The  Lord  was  our 
rock,  and  our  fortress,  and  our  deliverer.  In  the 
time  of  trouble  he  hid  us  in  his  pavilion. 

Dec.  11, — It  is  now  nearly  four  weeks  since 
we  embarked  on  the  mighty  waters,  and  we  have 
just  began  to  taste  the  pleasures  of  a  sea  life. 
Yesterday  we  passed  the  island  of  St.  Anthony. 
When  first  discovered,  it  appeared  like  a  cloud ; 
but  as  we  approached  it  we  were  delighted  with 
its  craggy  rocks  and  beautiful  rivulets.  Our  dear 
friends  cannot  easily  imagine  our  transports  on 
beholding  this  huge  mass.  It  is  supposed  to  be 
more  than  three  thousand  feet  in  height.  How 
delightful  would  it  be,  thought  I,  to  walk  upon 
its  sandy  plains,  or  climb  its  rugged  steeps. 
Capt.  Bangs  thought  of  stopping  at  St.  Jago, 
but  has  concluded  otherwise.  We  shall  not  pro- 
bably see  land  again  till  we  draw  near  to  our  de- 
sired haven. 

IT. — To-day,  Capt.  B.  treated  us  with  a  sail 
in  the  small  boat.  This  was  highly  gratifying  to 
us.  Imagine  how  we  must  have  appeared,  float- 
ing upon  the  vast  Atlantic  in  this  little  bark. 
We  sailed  round  the  ship,  which  moved  majesti- 
cally upon  the  waters.  With  the  last  week  we 
have  had  several  calms.  At  times  I  feel  \tvy 
anxious  that  we  should  speed  our  way  to  the 


40  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

heathen  world.  But  why  indulge  this  anxiety  ? 
If  the  Lord  hath  need  of  us  there,  he  will  surely 
prosper  our  way.  He  will  command  the  winds 
and  the  waves  to  bear  us  with  rapidity  to  our  de- 
sired haven. 

2t. — This  afternoon  spoke  a  vessel,  the  Queen 
Elizabeth,  fourteen  weeks  from  London,  bound 
to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  After  being  on  the 
Atlantic  seventy-two  days,  it  was  refreshing  to 
hear  a  human  voice  not  of  our  number.  There 
were  some  passengers  on  board ;  saw  one  female. 
We  sail  very  fast.  May  we  soon  have  the  plea- 
sure of  speaking  a  vessel  bound  to  beloved 
America ! 

Feb.  8. — God,  we  humbly  trust,  is  about  to 
manifest  his  glory  and  make  his  power  known  in 
this  vessel.  Several  of  the  sailors  are  very  serious, 
and  one  is  under  deep  convictions  of  sin. 

20. — Unite  with  us,  my  dear  friends,  in  prais- 
ing God  for  what  he  has  wrought  on  board  this 
ship.  The  person  of  whom  I  first  wrote  is 
brought,  we  humbly  trust,  to  rejoice  in  the  par- 
doning mercy  of  our  God.  For  more  than  a  week 
past  he  has  given  evidence  of  a  change  of  heart, 
and  now  he  rejoices  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full 
of  glory.  With  great  simplicity  and  godly  sin- 
cerity, he  expresses  his  views,  and  feelings,  and 
his  hope  in  Christ.     Several  of  the  other  sailors 


MRS.    TTHEELOCK's   JOURNAL.  41 

are  also  deeply  impressed.  While  I  write  Mr. 
"W.  is  at  prayer  with  them.  0,  what  love  and 
condescension  has  God  manifested.  These  are 
the  blessings  that  result  from  the  life,  the  suffer- 
ings, and  the  death  of  the  blessed  Saviour.  My 
soul,  adore  and  praise. 

21 — This  has  been  a  pleasant  day,  and  by  far 
the  most  solemn  that  I  have  experienced  on 
board.  This  morning,  as  usual,  I  went  on  the 
deck  to  walk.  What  a  solemnity  pervaded  the 
place  !  Every  countenance  indicated  a  heart 
deeply  affected  with  sin.  Surely  the  Lord  is  in 
this  place.  What  wonders  hath  he  wrought  I 
The  progress  of  this  work  has  not  been  rapid,  but 
the  still  small  voice  of  God  has  gently  penetrated 
the  heart,  convinced  it  of  sin,  of  righteousness, 
and  of  judgment,  and  spoken  peace  to  the  trou- 
bled conscience.  May  we  never  cease  to  praise 
him  !  May  the  recent  manifestations  of  Almighty 
power  and  goodness  encourage  us  to  persevere  in 
well-doing,  even  unto  the  end.  Should  trials  and 
opposition  to  the  religion  of  Jesus  threaten  to  hin- 
der us  from  being  useful  to  the  poor  Burmans,  may 
we  recollect  ichat  wonders  God  performed  on  hoard 
the  Independence^  and  may  the  recollection  stimu- 
late us  to  diligence  aud  activity  in  his  service. 

March  15. — This  has  been  a  pleasant  Sab- 
bath. It  is  delightful  to  see  the  dear,  young  con- 
4* 


42  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

verts,  no  less,  we  humbly  trust,  than  six  in  num- 
ber, listening  to  the  words  of  life.  Yet  I  tremble 
for  them.  How  little  do  they  anticipate  the  trials 
that  await  them.  Keep  these  tender  lambs,  kind 
Shepherd  of  the  flock,  from  the  evil  that  is  in  the 
world.* 

24. — We  are  now  within  three  hundred  miles 
from  Sumatra.  The  idea  of  being  so  near  land 
again  is  truly  pleasant,  and  gives  rise  to  many 
pleasant  emotions.  This  afternoon  a  pretty  land 
bird  came  and  sat  in  the  edge  of  the  cabin  win- 
dow. He  engaged  our  attention  a  few  moments 
with  his  soft  notes,  and  then  took  his  flight  to  the 
rigging.  Poor  little  wanderer  !  He  was  proba- 
bly blown  off  the  coast  in  some  of  the  late 
squalls." 

From  a  published  journal  of  Mrs.  Colman,  we 
extract  a  few  sentences  descriptive  of  other  parts 
of  these  same  interesting  events. 

*  "We  find  from  one  of  the  English  Missionaries,  Rev.  John 
Lawson,  testimony  in  favor  of  these  sailors  after  their  arrival 
at  Calcutta.  Speaking  of  the  occurrences  on  board  of  the  In- 
dependence, he  says,  *'  What  drunkenness  and  swearing  have 
been  prevented,  and  health  and  sobriety  promoted  !  Instead 
of  seeing  this  crew  in  the  gutters  of  Calcutta,  exposed  to  the 
sun  and  rain  in  a  state  of  intoxication,  we  had  the  pleasure  of 
seeing  nearly  all  of  them  at  worship,  the  first  Sabbath  after 
their  arrival,  dressed  as  neat  and  clean  as  we  could  wish,  and 
fresh  health  and  peace  depicted  as  strongly  as  possible  on  their 
weather-beaten 


MRS.  colman's  journal.  43 

"  On  Thursday  morning  brother  Titcomb  saw 
one  of  the  sailors,  to  whom  he  teaches  navigation, 
standing  at  the  helm.  He  observed  to  him,  that 
at  a  certain  hour  in  the  forenoon,  he  would  come 
forward  for  the  purpose  of  giving  him  instruction. 
The  sailor  replied,  '  You  need  not  come  to-day, 
for  I  have  something  of  more  importance  than 
]iavigation  to  attend  to.'  He  then  freely  related 
to  Mr.  Titcomb  the  distress  which  he  felt  on  ac- 
count of  sin. 

In  the  evening,  Mr.  Colman  conversed  with 
him  and  found  him  deeply  concerned  for  his  soul. 

On  Friday  afternoon,  brother  Wheelock  spent 
a  considerable  time  conversing  and  praying  with 
the  sailors.  He  observed  that  there  was  a  gene- 
ral solemnity  on  their  minds.  He  and  Mr.  C. 
visited  them  in  the  evening.  When  they  returned 
they  remarked,  that  the  scenes  which  they  had 
witnessed  were  calculated  to  melt  the  hardest 
heart.  Those  who,  but  a  few  days  ago,  were  liv- 
ing in  opposition  to  God  and  profaning  his  sacred 
name,  were  now  falling  upon  their  knees,  and 
appeared  greatly  distressed  on  account  of  their 
past  transgressions.  One  person,  who  six  days 
ago,  did  not  believe  there  was  a  God,  and  made 
a  ridicule  of  divine  things,  was  now  pierced  to 
the  heart,  and  anxiously  enquired  '  what  must  I 
do  to  be  saved  V  Indeed,  the  cry  for  mercy  was 
general." 


44  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

Thus,  in  tlieir  o^Yn  words,  have  we  suffered  the 
Missionaries  to  portray  the  scenes  and  incidents 
of  their  outward  voyage.  So  great  had  been  their 
enjoyment  of  the  Divine  presence,  so  vivid  their 
consciousness  of  the  love  and  sympathy  of  the 
Saviour,  that,  in  the  words  of  Mrs.  Wheelock, 
''the  floating  vehicle  had  been  at  times  a  floating 
heaven." 

But  their  long  voyage  was  now  drawing  to  a 
close.  The  tokens  of  land  became  more  numerous 
and  distinct.  One  more  terrific  gale  was  encoun- 
tered, but  while  some  other  ships  were  dismantled 
they  escaped  unharmed. 

Mr.  Wheelock  remarks  in  his  journal  at  this 
time  : — 

"  To  recount  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  is  cer- 
tainly an  incumbent  duty.  Contrary  to  our  ex- 
pectations, the  storm  has  not  driven  us  out  of  our 
course.  How  mercifully  were  we  preserved.  If, 
as  we  expected,  we  arrive  in  Calcutta  to-morrow, 
we  shall  be  remarkably  favored.  The  rich  display 
of  grace  on  board,  too,  should  never  be  forgotten. 
The  dear  young  converts  were  comforted  yester- 
day. Some  of  them  were  very  happy  during  the 
most  violent  part  of  the  storm.  Glory  be  to  God  I 
In  two  severe  gales  we  have  been  preserved,  all 
favored  with  good  health  the  greater  part  of  the 
time,  and  brought  in  safety  to  our  desired  haven. 


MISSIONARY    GRATITUDE   A^D    ZEAL.  45 

Forever  blessed  be  God  I  Our  dear  brother  Tit- 
comb's  kindness  we  can  never  forget.  Harriet 
and  myself  sung  together,  since  the  pilot  came  on 
board, 

'  Bless,  0  my  soul;  the  living  God  !'• 

The  shores  of  the  eastern  world,  the  land  of 
strangers  and  of  idolaters,  now  lay  before  the 
Misionaries,  and  anew  they  dedicated  themselves 
to  the  service  of  God. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Calcutta  —  Natives  —  English  Missionaries  —  Letters  home — 
Sickness  of  Mr.  Titcomb — Mr.  Wheelock  preaches  to  the 
soldiers — Departure — Arrival  at  Kangoon. 

Passing  the  flat,  monotonous  region  that  marks 
the  entrance  to  the  waters  of  the  Hoogly,  our 
voyagers  soon  found  themselves  in  the  midst  of 
busy  life.  Small  boats  float  around  the  vessel,  as, 
under  the  guidance  of  the  English  pilot,  she  slowly 
pursues  her  course  up  the  river.  Meantime,  on 
all  sides,  objects  of  interest  are  continually  in- 
creasing. The  slight,  half-  naked,  bronze  figures 
of  the  natives  are  seen  side  by  side  with  the  pale 
yet  comparatively  robust  European.  Mingled 
with  the  unmistakeable  signs  of  heathenism,  are 
also  evidences  of  British  rule — traces  of  wealth, 
civilization  and  refinement.  Glimpses  of  white 
villas  are  seen  from  amid  groves  of  embowering 
trees.  Along  with  the  Hindoo  temples  may  now 
be  seen  also  the  spires  of  Christian  churches. 

On  the  15th  of  April,  1818,  while  their  own 
western  home  which  they  had  left  was  clothed  iu 
(46) 


MISSIONARIES   AT   CALCUTTA.  47 

the  first  green  robe  of  spring,  the  Missionaries 
arrived  at  Calcutta. 

They  received  an  afi'ectionate  welcome  from  the 
resident  Missionaries,  and  found  for  the  time  a 
home  at  the  English  Mission  House.  From  this 
place  Mrs.  W.  writes  to  her  sister  : — 

"  April  16,  1818. — Yesterday,  at  about  four 
o'clock,  we  arrived  here  in  palanquins.  I  need 
not  assure  you  that  it  was  really  delightful  once 
more  to  step  on  solid  ground,  to  meet  these  dear 
Christian  friends,  and  unite  with  them  in  a  song 
of  praise,  and  in  family  prayer.  I  am  very  much 
pleased  with  the  harmony  and  union  of  these  dear 
people.  They  are  indeed  a  happy  band  of  breth- 
ren and  sisters.  Mr.  Carey  has  a  boarding-school 
in  the  house,  composed  of  eight  European  child- 
dren  and  five  more  pupils  who  do  not  board  in 
the  family.  These  are  all  taught  the  English 
language,  Geography,  &c.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Penney 
have  also  their  respective  schools,  in  which  they 
are  very  useful.  Mr.  P. 's  school  consists  of  two 
hundred  and  ninety-nine  scholars.  Mrs.  P.'s  of 
about  eighty.  They  are  unwearied  in  their  efforts 
to  do  good. 

18. — Had  a  pleasant  ride  this  morning  in  a 
buggy.  The  verdure  of  the  country,  and  the 
breezes  fanning  us  through  the  trees,  were  both 
delightful  and  refreshing.     The  dear  friends  here 


48  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

do  everytliiug  in  their  power  to  render  us  com- 
fortable. May  they  be  abundantly  rewarded  for 
their  kindness. 

May  3.  {Lordfs-day.) — May  it  ever  be  remem- 
bered with  sensations  of  peculiar  gratitude  and 
love  to  God ;  this  morning  I  sat  with  Europeans, 
Musselmen,  Hindoos,  and  Americans  at  the  table 
of  the  Lord.  After  being  deprived  of  this  great 
privilege  for  about  six  months,  I  need  not  assure 
you  that  it  was  exceedingly  precious.  And  hav- 
ing before  my  eyes  the  subjects  of  divine  grace 
out  of  Jive  different  nations  of  the  earth,  a  part  of 
whom  were  once  'joined  to  idols,'  my  heart  was 
melted  within  me.  Dr.  Marshman  received  one 
female,  a  native  of  the  country,  into  the  church. 

I  now  hasten  to  close  this  long  letter.  You 
can  have  no  idea,  my  sister,  of  the  intense  heat 
which  we  daily  feel.  The  people  here  dress  very 
thinly,  and  always  in  white.  The  greater  part  of 
the  natives  go  almost  without  clothes.  An  En- 
glish lady  is  never  seen  walking  in  Calcutta.  No 
person  can  wonder  at  this,  when  they  are  informed 
that  it  is  absolutely  necessary  for  every  one  who 
rides  in  a  carriage  or  buggy  to  have  a  servant  to 
clear  the  way." 

The  next  letter  is  from  Mr.  Wheelock  to  his 
pastor.  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin  of  Boston. 


letter  of  mr,  ttheelock.  49 

Mr.  Wheelock  to  Rev.  Dr.  Baldtvin. 

"  Calcutta,  April  28th,  1818. 

Dear  Sir  : 

Permit  me,  from  a  heart  filled  with  gratitude, 
to  express  my  feelings  to  you,  my  very  dear  Pas- 
tor ;  and  not  only  my  feelings  would  I  express, 
but  the  great  goodness  of  the  Lord  to  us  his  un- 
worthy creatures.  This  day,  while  at  dinner,  was 
your  very  acceptable  parcel  presented  to  me.  O, 
may  I  never  cease  to  be  grateful  to  my  Heavenly 
Father  for  all  his  mercies  manifested  towards  me  ! 
In  a  heathen  land,  a  letter  from  the  most  distant 
friend  would  be  highly  interesting,  but  one  from 
my  dear  Pastor  is  unspeakably  so.  I  rejoice  ex- 
ceedingly in  the  prosperity  of  Zion  in  beloved 
America,  and  especially  in  that  of  the  dear  church 
with  which  I  have  so  often  engaged  in  Divine  wor- 
ship, and  in  celebrating  the  dying  love  of  Jesus. 
My  pen,  alas  I  but  feebly  portrays  the  feelings  of 
my  soul. 

On  the  fifteenth  of  this  month,  just  five  months 
from  the  time  we  left  our  dear  native  land,  we  ar- 
rived at  Calcutta.  We  were  soon  met  by  our  Mis- 
sionary brethren  Lawson  and  E.  Carey,  who  very 
affectionately  welcomed  us  to  India,  and  invited 
us  to  their  house.  These  dear  men,  with  several 
others,  are  very  kind  to  us  indeed.  They  live  in 
6 


50  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

much  harmony  and  love.  We  have  been  endea- 
voring to  prepare  for  our  departure  for  Rangoon 
by  the  first  opportunity.  We  have  made  a  short 
visit  to  Serampore,  and  were  received  by  the 
brethren  there  with  much  kindness  and  affection. 
We  were  highly  gratified  with  the  fatherly  advice 
and  instruction,  relative  to  our  temporal  affairs 
and  our  spiritual  course,  that  we  received  from 
our  elder  brethren. 

In  returning  to  Calcutta  we  beheld,  in  many 
places,  the  banks  of  the  river  thronged  with  the 
poor  natives,  who  came  hither  to  icash  and  he  clean 
from  all  pollution.  How  painful  to  behold  I 
Surely  if  Christians  in  America  could  be  trans- 
ported here  only  for  a  few  hours,  their  hearts 
would  be  melted  with  pity,  and  would  receive  such 
a  Missionary  influence  as  would  not  cease  to  en- 
gage them  in  spreading  the  gospel  among  these 
poor  Tjenighted  creatures. 

I  must  now  give  you  a  few  particulars  of  our 
Toyage.  The  weather  was,  generally,  very  fine  ; 
we  experienced  but  few  storms.  Capt.  Bangs  has 
treated  us  very  kindly.  We  shall  ever  have  occa- 
sion to  speak  of  him  with  gratitude  and  much  re- 
spect. He  continued  one  unvaried  course  of  kind- 
ness from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  voyage. 
The  other  officers  were  attentive  and  polite  in 
their  treatment  towards  us.     The  kindness  and 


CHARACTER   OF    MR.    TITCOMB.  51 

affection  of  our  esteemed  brother  Titcomb,  the 
supercargo,  have  been  great,  and  many  have  been 
the  offices  of  friendship  which  he  has  performed 
towards  us."* 

An  account  of  the  conversion  of  the  sailors 
follows,  which  we  omit. 

We  have  already  alluded  to  the  fact,  that  thirty- 
five  years  ago,  the  Burman  Empire  held  but  little 
intercourse  with  the  rest  of  mankind.  The  east- 
ern shores  of  the  Bay  of  Bengal  were,  to  the 
dwellers  towards  the  setting  sun,  as  the  shores  of 

*  Captain  Paul  Titcomb,  of  Newburyport,  Mass.  Of  tho 
uniform  friendship  manifested  by  this  officer  for  the  Mission- 
aries, we  cannot  speak  too  highly.  "When  he  learned  that 
Colman  and  "Wheelock  wished  to  take  passage  on  board  the 
Independence,  he  expressed  much  pleasure.  His  knowledge 
of  the  sea,  and  of  what  was  necessary  in  a  voyage  to  India, 
was  of  great  service  to  them,  in  preparing  their  outfit.  He 
also  used  his  influence  in  lessening  their  expenses,  and  in  pro- 
moting continually  their  comfort  and  usefulness.  A  member 
of  another  denomination,  he  evinced,  says  one,  "a  noble  supe- 
riority to  those  sectarian  feelings  which  have  so  often  kept 
good  men  asunder  from  each  other." 

During  their  stay  in  Calcutta,  the  Missionaries  had  the  grief 
to  see  this  beloved  and  valued  friend  brought  very  low  with  a 
fever,  from  which  he  never  fully  recovered.  He  died  on  the 
homeward  passage,  July  30th,  1818.  "He  enjoyed  sweet 
peace  of  mind,  and  looked  forward  to  his  departure  with  calm 
and  joyful  hope." 

A  sketch  of  his  truly  Christian  character  may  be  found  in 
the  American  Baptist  Magazine,  for  March,  1819. 


52  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

some  distant  planet.  The  following  letter  from 
Mr.  Colman,  illustrates  this  assertion.  It  is  ad- 
dressed to  Rev.  Dr.  Sharp. 

Mr.  Colman  to  Rev.  Dr.  Sharp. 

"Serampore,  June  25th,  1818. 

My  dear  and  respected  Pastor  : 

Before  this  time,  you  have,  undoubtedly,  con- 
cluded that  we  have  joined  our  dear  friends  in 
Burmah.  But  the  Lord  has  directed  otherwise. 
The  trade  between  Calcutta  and  Rangoon  is 
very  dull.  No  freight  can  be  obtained  for  the 
latter  place.  In  addition  to  this  the  south-east 
monsoon  has  set  in,  which  is  directly  contrary  to 
vessels  proceeding  to  any  port  in  the  Burman 
dominions.  But  we  feel  more  contented  to  re- 
main here  now,  than  we  did  a  short  time  since. 
Mr.  Felix  Carey  has  recently  arrived  at  Seram- 
pore  from  Ava,  and  has  generously  offered  to 
instruct  us  in  the  Burman  language  until  an  op- 
portunity offers  to  convey  us  to  Rangoon.  Accord- 
ingly we  have  all  commenced,  and  feel,  I  believe, 
real  satisfaction  in  treading  this  new  path.  We 
find  it  rugged  and  intricate,  but  hope  it  will,  ere 
long,  conduct  us  to  an  extensive  field  of  useful- 
ness and  pleasure.  We  look  forward  to  the  time 
when,  in  this  language,  we  shall  speak  the  words 
of  eternal  life   to   the  perishing  heathen.     The 


MISSIONARY   LIFE   IN   ASIA.  53 

eye  of  the  Missionary  should  not  be  bounded  by 
external  objects.  He  should  look  forward  to  the 
time  when  the  difficulties  which  at  first  obstruct 
his  path  will  be  surmounted,  and  when  he  shall 
be  engaged  in  the  delightful  employ  of  pointing 
pagans  to  the  Lamb  of  God.  For  years  his  lips  may 
be  closed  in  silence.  A  foreign  language  must  be 
acquired.  This  work  will  consume  much  of  his 
time  and  youthful  vigor.  But  this  being  accom- 
plished, his  reward  begins  to  come — the  sweet 
satisfaction  of  relating  the  proposals  of  mercy  to 
the  poor  pagans.  To  them  the  gospel  will  be  as 
new  as  it  was  to  the  shepherds  on  the  plains  of 
Judea,  or  to  the  apostles,  when  first  they  were 
called  to  follow  the  Saviour  of  mankind.  To 
them  the  history  of  the  Redeemer's  life  and  death 
will  be  clothed  with  all  the  charms  of  novelty,  as 
though  it  had  never  been  known  to  an  individual 
upon  earth. 

The  quarter  of  the  globe  in  which  we  expect 
to  reside,  must  be  interesting  to  a  pious  mind. 
Here  our  first  parents  were  created ;  here  Abraham 
lived,  and  Jesus  died.  Asia  was  the  most  distin- 
guished part  of  the  world  for  several  thousand 
years.  And  have  we  not  reason  to  believe  that 
it  will  yet  be  highly  distinguished  for  the  triumphs 
of  Divine  grace  ?  Other  sections  of  the  world  are 
thinly  inhabited  compared  to  this.  And  when 
5* 


54  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

the  Hindoos,  and  Burmans,  and  Chinese,  are  con- 
verted, what  a  loud  anthem  of  praise  will  ascend 
to  our  blessed  Lord  !* 

With  much  pleasure  I  received  your  letter.  It 
afiforded  us  great  satisfaction  to  learn  that  you  re- 
membered us  in  your  petitions  to  God.  0  !  for- 
get us  not.  Pray  that  we  may  be  fitted  for  our 
work,  may  be  clothed  with  humility,  patience, 
and  zeal,  and  may  be  rendered  abundantly  use- 
ful. Could  I  see  you,  my  dear  Pastor,  and 
some  others  of  my  American  friends,  one  of  the 
dearest  wishes  of  my  heart  would  be  gratified. 
But  this  privilege  I  expect  not  to  enjoy  on  earth. 
0,  may  we  meet  in  heaven,  never,  never,  to  be 
separated." 

Yours,  affectionately, 

James  Colman. 

The  next  letter  is  from  Mr.  Wheelock,  and  is 
addressed  to  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin.  We  give  a  few 
extracts. 

Mr.  Wheelock  to  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin. 

"  The  fatherly  advice,  which  from  time  to  time 
you  have  given  me,  and  the  tender  interest  which 

*  The  present  aspects  of  China  are  full  of  bright  and  unex- 
pected promise — calling  for  increased  prayer  and  exertion  in 
behalf  of  her  teeming  millions. — [J.  N.  B. 


CHRISTIAN    GRATITUDE.  55 

you  have  manifested  in  my  welfare,  can  never  be 
forgotten,  can  never  fail  to  excite  emotions  of 
gratitude.  Especially  do  I  remember  your  kind- 
ness in  bringing  me  forward  to  enjoy  the  advan 
tages  of  an  education,  that,  under  God,  I  might 
in  some  degree  be  qualified  for  the  great  work 
which  he  has  been  pleased  to  assign  me.  Lan- 
guage can  but  feebly  describe  the  feelings  of  my 
heart  towards  you.  Forgive,  dear  sir,  the  free- 
dom with  which  I  write.  For  "  out  of  the  abun- 
dance of  my  heart  does  my  mouth  speak. "  Happy 
am  I  under  these  considerations  to  remember 
that  you  will  not,  that  you  can  not,  lose  your 
reward." 

From  a  journal  kept  by  the  same  hand  and 
sent  to  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin  while  at  Calcutta,  we 
make  the  following  extracts. 

Extracts  from  the  Journal  of  Mr.  Wheelock. 

"  Calcutta,  May  17th,  1818. 

Attended  Bengalee  worship  this  morning 
After  sermon,  brother  Peters  arose  and  made  a 
very  fervent  prayer.  He  is  considered  the  best 
of  the  native  preachers,  has  a  very  fine  command- 
ing voice,  and  obtains  much  attention  from  the 
natives.  Between  nine  and  ten  o'clock,  we  went 
from  the  chapel  to  a  Bengalee  place  of  worship 


56  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK, 

made  of  bamboos  and  mats.  Our  English  breth- 
ren, E.  Carey  and  J.  Penney,  accompanied  us. 
Here  we  had  another  meeting,  which  lasted  nearly 
three  hours.  Four  addresses  were  delivered,  two 
by  brother  Carey,  and  two  by  the  native  brethren. 
Several  hymns  were  sung  and  prayers  offered. 
Though  the  speakers  were  barbarians  to  me,  the 
meeting  was  highly  interesting. 

I  am  quite  at  a  loss  to  know  how  to  give  you 
any  description  of  the  place  of  worship,  or  of  the 
assembly.  I  never  beheld  anything  of  the  kind 
before,  and  both  are  so  unlike  anything  in  Ame- 
rica, that  I  fear  no  language  of  mine  can  convey 
a  correct  idea  to  your  mind.  I  can  only  say  that 
I  believe  that  the  same  gospel  was  preached  here 
that  is  preached  there.  The  pulpit  was  composed 
of  bamboos,  stuck  into  the  ground  on  a  little 
raised  spot  of  earth.  The  house  would  probably 
contain  one  hundred  and  fifty  people.  Sometimes 
it  was  nearly  full,  but,  perhaps,  in  a  few  minutes, 
the  number  of  people  would  be  quite  reduced. 
Many  were  continually  passing,  engaged  in  their 
worldly  occupation.  They  frequently  stopped 
and  listened  for  a  few  minutes  to  what  was  said, 
made  their  remarks  and  went  their  way.  One 
said,  *'the  common  people  do  this  (preach)  to  get 
their  bread."    Another,  "  this  is  not  right."    An 


PREACHING    IN    INDIA.  57 

old  woman,  who  had  listened  for  some  time,  said, 
^' that  is  very  true,  that  is  very  true.'''' 

The  preachers  were  repeatedly  interrnpted  by 
being  questioned.  One  enquired,  "  what  are 
tithes  ?"  The  subject  of  the  speaker  was  the 
Pharisee  and  Publican.  Another  was  so  inquisi- 
tive and  talkative,  that  he  nearly  broke  up  the 
assembly.  Some  would  frequently  come  and  in- 
quire of  their  native  brethren,  ''what  is  this?" 
The  answer  given,  is  ''Jesus  Christ,  Jesus 
Christ."  May  we  not  then  conclude,  that  many 
will  hear  of  this  sacred  name,  and  will  seek  a 
knowledge  of  him  ?  During  worship,  the  image 
of  one  of  their  gods  passed  by,  attended  by  much 
noise  and  many  people.  Some  went  out,  but  the 
greater  part  remained. 

The  offence  of  the  cross  is  great  unto  them,  I 
am  informed  by  our  brethren,  that  they  will  hear 
a  discourse  on  moral  subjects,  but  if  they  are  told 
that  there  is  no  Saviour  but  Jesus  Christ,  they  are 
quite  offended  and  frequently  go  away.  After 
meeting,  a  number  of  tracts  were  distributed 
among  them.  They  appeared  very  anxious  to 
obtain  them,  but  are  quite  fond  of  any  books. 

I  was  not  a  little  interested  at  beholding  a 
Burman  present,  though  it  is  probable  he  did  not 
understand.  What  bowels  of  compassion  I  felt 
for  him !     How  did  I  long  to  preach  to  him,  and 


58  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

to  his  nation,  'the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ!' 
What  would  our  congregations  in  America  have 
thought,  to  have  beheld  this  almost  naked  assem- 
bly ;  to  have  seen  some  with  baskets,  some  with 
bundles  on  their  heads,  others  sitting  on  the 
ground,  and  some  constantly  coming  or  going 
from  meeting?  What  feelings  of  pity,  of  com- 
passion, of  love,  would  have  been  excited  in  every 
pious  soul  I  What  devou  aspirations  would  have 
ascended  to  God  for  the  salvation  of  these  deluded 
pagans ! 

June  6. — Towards  night,  I  walked  out  with 
brother  Penney  among  the  native  huts.  They 
are  principally  built  of  mud  and  straw.  They 
are  exceedingly  numerous,  and  stand  very  close  to 
each  other.  The  natives  are  quite  civil ;  indeed, 
they  are  remarkable  for  their  politeness.  Some 
of  the  females  were  much  afraid  of  us,  and  ran 
away  as  we  approached  them. 

We  went  among  some  of  the  farmers.  What  a 
difference  between  them  and  our  American  far- 
mers !  Their  cattle  looked  very  meagre,  as  if 
roughly  treated,*  and  quite  small.  All  of  their 
cattle  appear  small  when  compared  with  ours. 

*  The  same  remark  occurs  in  the  Journal  of  Bishop  Heber. 
Describing  a  drive  in  the  vicinity  of  Calcutta.,  he  says  :  "  The 
crowd  of  people  was  considerable,  and  kept  up  something  like 
the  appearance  of  a  fair  along  the  whole  line  of  road.     Many 


LONGINGS    FOR   USEFULNESS.  59 

How  did  I  long  to  preach  to  these  people  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  Christ !  But,  alas  I  my 
mouth  was  shut.  May  I  soon  arrive  at  Burmah, 
and  commence  the  acquisition  of  their  language. 
Several  years,  however,  will  undoubtedly  elapse 
before  I  can  direct  the  poor  Burmans  to  the  Lamb 
of  God.  Brother  Judson  says  truly,  that  "the 
thoughts  of  these  people  run  in  channels  opposite 
to  ours." 

We  also  went  into  a  bazaar.  The  noise  and 
bustle  reminded  me  of  Boston  market.  Here, 
again,  I  remarked  a  very  striking  contrast  be- 
tween the  two.  I  saw  no  meat  at  all.  A  few  little 
fishes,  fruit  and  vegetables,  were  the  principal 
commodities  for  sale.  The  people  who  sold  were 
seated  on  a  mat  spread  upon  the  floor. 

14.  {Lord's-day.) — Spoke  in  the  morning  in  the 
chapel,  in  the  afternoon  heard  brother  Ward 
preach  in  Bengalee.  About  one  hundred  of  the 
natives  were  present,  twenty  of  whom  are  mem- 
bers of  the  church.  Evening,  heard  Dr.  Carey  de- 
liver a  most  excellent  sermon  ;  text,  Rom.  12:2. 

■were  in  bullock  carts,  others  driving  along  bullocks  before 
them  ;  a  few  had  wretched  ponies,  which,  as  well  as  the  bul- 
locks, bore  too  many  marks  of  neglect  and  hard  treatment.  Tho 
manner  in  which  the  Hindoos  treat  their  horned  cattle,  sacred 
as  they  are  from  the  butcher's  knife,  appears  far  worse  than 
that  which  often  disgusts  the  eye  and  wounds  the  feelings  of  a 
passenger  through  London." 


60  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

Received  a  precious  letter  from  our  dear  sister  P. 
It  was  truly  refreshing.  It  is  another  proof  that 
our  beloved  friends  have  not  forgotten  us. 

16.  {Tuesday.) — This  evening  received  a  packet 
of  magazines  and  letters  from  our  beloved  Dr.  B. 
Never  before  was  I  so  affected  by  a  letter.  It 
contained  a  hymn,  composed  on  our  departure 
from  America.  Surely  it  is  enough  to  draw  tears 
from  eyes  which  never  wept  before.  But,  ah ! 
while  I  weep  for  you,  permit  me  also  to  weep  for 
the  poor  heathen.  Even  now,  while  I  write,  the 
horrid  din  of  their  music,  at  this  late  hour,  strikes 
my  ears.  Thousands  of  them  are  preparing  for  a 
grand  festival  of  Juggernaut,  which  we  expect  to 
behold  in  a  day  or  two.  Let  me  then  weep  also 
for  these  wretched  idolaters.  And  while  a  spark 
of  life,  or  a  drop  of  vital  blood  remains,  let  me 
labor  for  the  salvation  of  their  immortal  souls. 
0,  my  dear  Pastor,  how  great  are  my  obligations 
to  God  and  to  you  !  O,  that  this  evening  I  could 
express  to  you  the  gratitude  wiiich  I  feel.  While 
I  live,  I  humbly  trust  that  the  Lord  will  enable 
me  to  pray  for  you. 

I  have  read  a  good  part  of  your  Magazine,  and 
my  heart  rejoices  at  the  cheering  news  which  it 
«ontains.  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  becoming 
acquainted  with  Rev.  Messrs.  Townley  and  Keith. 
They  pteach  in   Calcutta,  and  appear  much  en- 


APPEAL    TO    AMERICA.  61 

ga^ed  in  the  cause  of  missions.  While  America 
manifests  so  much  zeal  in  this  blessed  work,  may 
immortal  blessings  be  continually  poured  upon 
her.  May  she  become  a  '  mountain  of  holiness, 
and  a  habitation  of  righteousness.'  How  highly 
favored  is  she  already  !  And  how  highly  favored 
may  we  conclude  she  will  he,  if  she  continues  to 
exert  herself  in  the  cause  of  God ! 

Go  on,  my  Christian  friends,  go  on  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord ;  nor  cease  from  your  noble  and  glo- 
rious efforts,  while  one  fellow  sinner  is  ignorant 
of  the  adorable  Jesus.  You  shall  not  labor  in 
vain,  God  is  faithful ;  and  in  due  time  you  shall 
reap,  if  you  faint  not.  Expect  not  immediate 
success.  Could  you  see  the  heathen,  I  am  in- 
clined to  think  that  you  would  utterly  despair  of 
their  conversion,  did  you  not  possess  unshaken 
confidence  in  the  promises  of  the  eternal  and  im- 
mutable Jehovah.  His  word  is  settled  in  Heaven. 
It  must  be  accomplished.  The  gospel  must  pre- 
vail. The  kingdoms  of  this  world  must  become 
the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus 
Christ.  The  period  must  arrive  when  "the  earth 
shall  be  filled  with  the  glory  of  the  Lord."  O, 
blessed  era !  I  hail  thee  with  delight.  I  lift  my 
mournful  eyes  from  this,  at  present,  dark  world, 
and  look  forward  with  divine  rapture.  What  can- 
not Omnipotence  perform  ?  When  it  ceases  to  bo 
6 


62  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

an  attribute  of  our  God,  let  us  then  despair  of  the 
success  of  his  cause.  Yes  ;  then,  and  not  till 
then,  may  we  despair  of  success. 

18. — Witnessed  the  awful  scene — the  worship 
of  Juggernaut.  Dr.  Marshman  calculated  that 
there  were  at  least  500,000  people  present !" 

While  detained  at  Calcutta  the  Missionaries 
were  by  no  means  idle,  as  may  be  seen,  indeed, 
from  what  has  been  already  stated. 

A  sermon  preached  before  a  portion  of  the 
•British  soldiers  of  the  fifty-ninth  regiment,  by 
Mr.  Wheelock,  was  so  favorably  received,  that  at 
their  own  expense  they  caused  it  to  be  published. 
The  subject  stated  is,  ''  Humility. ^^  Among  the 
invincible  troops  of  Britain,  the  conquerors  of  the 
wide  and  rich  domains  of  the  East,  one  is  hardly 
prepared  to  look  for  the  gentler  and  lowlier  fruits 
of  Christianity.  The  story  of  European  conquest 
in  Bengal  is  not  surely  suggestive  of  the  meekness 
and  gentleness  of  the  gospel.  Yet  as  among  the 
Roman  legions  of  old  were  found  one  or  two  cen- 
turions truly  humble  and  devout,  so  among  these 
men  of  war  and  blood  were  those  upon  whose 
ear  the  persuasive  words  of  piety  fell  even  as  re- 
freshing rain  from  Heaven.  They  listened  with  joy 
'to  the  winning  words  of  our  Saviour,  "  Learn  of 
me;  fori  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart."     With 


SERMON    OF    MR.    TVHEELOCK.  63 

eager  delight  they  imbibed  the  pious  thoughts  of 
the  young  Missionary,  who,  from  the  ends  of  the 
earth,  had  sought  that  sultry  clime,  there  to  dis 
pense  the  words  of  eternal  life. 

From  this  sermon,  which  bears  date,  "Colom- 
bo, Wesleyan  Mission  Press,  1818,"  we  copy  a 
few  closing  paragraphs.  The  preacher  dwells 
with  much  animation  upon  the  rest  of  soul  which 
is  the  portion  of  the  lowly  in  heart.  In  conclu- 
sion, he  remarks,  the  rest  of  the  humble  will  be 
consummated  in  the  skies. 

*'  There  remaineth  a  rest,  says  the  Apostle, 
to  the  people  of  God.  They  will  arrive  at 
that  blessed  abode,  where  the  wicked  cease  from 
troubling,  and  the  weary  are  at  rest.  They  will 
possess  rest,  inasmuch  as  they  will  be  secure  from 
the  attacks  of  their  enemies.  The  world,  which 
has  so  often  allured  them  from  the  right  way  of 
the  Lord,  will  no  longer  allure  them.  The  devil 
will  no  longer  harrass  them.  No  more  will  they 
be  oppressed  with  a  body  of  death.  They  will  be 
delivered  from  all  corruption,  and  made  com- 
pletely holy,  even  as  God  is  holy.  They  will  be 
with  their  blessed  Saviour,  and  behold  his  glory ; 
nay,  they  will  be  like  him,  for  they  will  see  him 
as  he  is. 

"  This  rest  is  strihingly  typified  hy  the  Sabbath. 
On  the  Sabbath,  we  cease  from  w^orldly  employ- 


64  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

ments,  and  engage  in  the  service  of  God.  In 
Heaven,  where  the  eternal  Sabbath  will  be  en- 
joyed, the  believer  will  be  delivered  from  all 
worldly  concerns,  and  engage  with  all  the  powers 
of  his  soul,  in  the  service  of  God.  Worldly  care 
and  anxiety  will  no  more  disturb  his  bosom.  The 
perplexities  of  his  life  will  cease.  No  more  will 
he  meet  with  disappointments  of  any  kind.  All 
tears  will  be  wiped  from  his  eyes  by  the  soft  hand 
of  everlasting  love.  He  will  enjoy  rest — undis- 
turbed, unmolested,  eternal  rest.  There  will  the 
service  of  God  be  constantly  performed  with  ever 
new  delight.  Dull  mortality  will  no  longer  clog 
his  active  soul,  but  with  the  ardor  of  angels  will 
he  praise  and  adore  his  God. 

'*  On  the  Sabbath,  we  are  permitted  to  hear  the 
servants  of  God  describe  his  character.  In  Hea- 
ven, the  believer  will  be  favored  with  the  most 
clear  and  enlarged  views  of  it.  God  himself  will 
unfold  to  the  mind  of  every  saint  his  adorable 
perfections.  Each  of  them  will  learn  more  of 
God  in  one  hour,  (if  we  may  use  the  expression,) 
than  all  of  them  could  learn  together  during 
their  stay  in  this  world. 

"  On  the  Sabbath  the  character  of  Christ  is  ex- 
hibited to  our  view  ;  but,  alas !  how  faintly  !  In 
Heaven,  Jesus  will  discover  himself  to  his  dear 
disciples  in  the  most  glorious  manner.     Low,  in- 


SERMON    OF    MR.    WHEELOCK.  65 

deed,  are  our  present  conceptions  of  him.  How 
exalted  will  they  be,  when,  without  a  glass  be- 
tween, we  shall  gaze  upon  his  uncreated  glory ! 
Then  shall  we  feel  most  deeply  sensible,  that  he 
is  the  chief  among  ten  thousand — the  only  one 
altogether  lovely. 

"  On  the  Sabbath,  the  way  of  life  and  salvation 
is  held  up  to  our  view.  But  our  ideas  of  its  glory 
are  contracted  compared  with  what  they  will  be, 
when  upon  our  astonished  souls  will  burst  the 
full  vision  of  God  and  the  Lamb  I  For  '  eye 
hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  hath  entered 
into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which  God  hath 
prepared  for  them  that  love  him.' 

"  On  the  Sabbath,  the  saint  obtains  fresh 
strength  to  go  forward  in  the  Divine  life.  In  Hea- 
ven, his  soul  will  be  constantly  invigorated  by  re- 
ceiving fresh  communications  of  grace  and  love. 

"  On  the  Sabbath  he  enjoys  an  antepast  of  glory  ; 
he  sips  at  the  stream  which  issues  from  the  foun- 
tain of  eternal  love.  In  Heaven,  he  will  drink 
large  draughts  of  the  water  of  life,  drink  from  the 
fountain  ;  forever  will  he  allay  his  thirst  from  the 
river  of  God. 

"  Our  description  of  the  rest  that  remains  for  the 

people  of  God   must  be  faint.     On  this  subject 

'thought  is  poor,  and  poor  expression.'     Let  it 

suffice,  therefore,  to  say,  it  consists  in  the  full, 

6* 


66  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

perfect,  everlasting  enjoyment  of  God  and  the 
Lamb! 

"  Here,  Christian,  repose  your  weary  soul.  To 
you,  Jesus  says,  Learn  of  me,  for  I  am  meek 
and  lowly  in  heart,  and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto 
your  souls  !" 

The  spiritual  life  and  warmth  that  pervade 
this  discourse  were,  without  doubt,  grateful  to 
those  who  listened  to  it.  They  sought,  by  its 
publication,  to  perpetuate  the  emotions  called 
forth  by  its  delivery.  On  the  printed  page,  how- 
ever, we  miss  the  beaming  countenance  and  per- 
suasive tones  that  gave  power  to  its  utterance. 
The  warmth  of  holy  love,  the  brightness  of  hea- 
venward hope,  the  fervent  sympathy  of  spirit  that 
gave  to  this  young  servant  of  God  such  access  to 
the  souls  of  others,  we  are  told,  by  those  who  bear 
in  their  hearts  the  pleasant  remembrance  of  that 
early  day,  was  wont  to  engrave  itself  upon  his 
features  and  pervade  their  entire  expression,  giv- 
ing power  to  his  words,  and  impressiveness  to  his 
tones. 

The  next  letter  is  from  Mr.  Colman,  addressed 
to  Kev.  Dr.  Sharp,  and  announces  the  fact  that 
after  so  long  a  detention,  they  have  at  last  a 
prospect  of  sailing  for  Rangoon. 

The  Missionaries  had  now  been  residing  in 
Bengal    three   months   and   a  half,    and   gladly 


THEY    SAIL    TO    RANGOON.  67 

availed  themselves  of  the  first  opportunity  that 
presented  to  pursue  their  voyage.  Pleasant  and 
tender  friendships  had  been  formed  among  these 
English  brethren,  who  were  laboring  in  the  same 
cause  to  which  Colman  and  Wheelock  had  dedi- 
cated their  lives  ;  and  much  valuable  information 
and  advice  had  been  received  from  those  who  had 
been  long  laboring  among  the  heathen.  With 
many  prayers  and  blessings  from  these  devoted 
fellow-laborers  and  friends,  our  wanderers  once 
more  found  themselves  on  board  ship,  and  with 
favoring  breezes,  were  soon  far  at  sea  upon  the 
great  Bay  of  Bengal. 

They  sailed  from  Calcutta  on  the  19th  of  Au- 
gust, and  arrived  at  Rangoon  in  about  four  weeks. 
The  reception  of  the  Missionaries  by  their  friends 
in  Rangoon,  is  described  by  Mr.  Colman. 

"  We  found,  upon  arriving  at  the  landing-place, 
our  beloved  brethren  waiting  to  receive  us.  For 
a  short  time  we  could  do  no  more  than  take  each 
other  by  the  hand.  The  sensations  of  our  minds 
destroyed  the  power  of  utterance.  In  about  an 
hour  the  females  came  on  shore,  when  the  whole 
Mission  family  met,  and  by  mutual  expressions  of 
love  and  joy  attracted  universal  attention.  This 
was  a  memorable  season.  Such  a  combination 
of  unusual  feelings  never  rushed  upon  my  mind 
before.     We  were  immediately  conducted  to  the 


68  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

king's  godoivn,  where,  according  to  the  custom 
of  the  country,  we  were  strictly  searched.  We 
then  proceeded  to  the  Mission  house.  Imagine, 
if  you  can,  our  sensations  when  we  stepped  be- 
neath its  roof,  and  found  ourselves  in  that  dear 
company  which  we  had  long  desired  to  enjoy. 
That  was  a  season  of  feasting.  How  swiftly  the 
hours  passed  away  1  How  varied,  how  cheering 
was  the  conversation  I  How  fervent  were  the 
prayers  and  thanksgiving  to  Almighty  God !  The 
events  of  those  sweet  days  can  never  be  effaced 
from  my  memory.  I  feel  something  of  their  in- 
fluence at  the  present  time." 

The  same  scenes  are  further  detailed  by  Mr. 
Wheelock. 

"  At  the  mouth  of  the  river  we  were  favored 
with  a  note  from  brother  Judson,  informing  us 
that  brother  Hough,  or  himself,  would  be  ready 
to  meet  us  at  the  wharf,  or,  more  properly,  the 
landing-place.  Judge  of  our  feelings  when  we 
arrived  before  the  town,  which  is  to  be,  as  we 
trust,  our  home  on  earth  1  We  were  all  soon 
landed,  and  in  the  company  of  our  dear  Mission- 
ary friends.  What  a  meeting  was  this  !  Never 
before  did  I  experience  such  a  joyful  season. 
To  behold  our  beloved  brethren,  and  their  com- 
panions, afforded  me  such  joy  as  I  cannot  ex- 
press !    Indeed,  the  joy  was  mutual.    We  felt  our 


INTRODUCTION    TO    THE    VICEROY.  69 

souls  united.  After  we  had  been  searched  by 
the  officers  of  government,  we,  a  happy  Mission- 
ary band,  proceeded  to  the  Mission  House. 
Here  we  arrived  at  about  dark  on  Saturday  even- 
ing. '  Bless  the  Lord,  0,  my  soul,  and  all  that 
is  within  me  bless  his  holy  name  !' 

The  Mission  House  is  delightfully  situated 
among  the  trees,  about  two  miles  from  town.  A 
large  piece  of  ground  is  attached  to  it,  contain- 
ing a  number  of  fruit  trees. 

Shortly  after  our  arrival,  brother  Judson  went 
with  brother  Colman  and  myself  to  introduce  us 
to  the  Yiceroy.  We  found  him  in  his  garden- 
house,  surrounded  with  his  officers  of  government. 
We  took  off  our  shoes  before  we  came  into  his 
presence  (which  is  the  same  thing  here  as  taking 
off  the  hat  in  America),  and  then  seated  ourselves 
on  a  mat  opposite  him.  He  observed  that  we 
were  not  accustomed  to  the  Burman  mode  of  sit- 
ting, and  said  to  brother  Judson,  '  Let  them  sit 
comfortably.' 

We  had  brought  with  us,  from  Calcutta,  a  small 
chest  of  carpenters'  tools  for  the  use  of  the  Mis- 
sion. The  Yiceroy  heard  of  it,  and  expressed  a 
desire  for  it.  As  there  never  was  one  like  it  seen 
here  before,  it  was  a  great  curiosity.  We  carried 
it  with  us  as  a  present,  knowing  that  he  must 
have  it.     Accordingly,  it  was  placed  before  him, 


10  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

and  he  arose  himself  (a  thing  very  uncommon  on 
such  occasions),  and  opened  it.  He  appeared 
much  gratified  with  it,  and  called  one  of  his  arti- 
ficers to  examine  it  also.  He  inquired  if  we  in- 
tended to  remain  here,  and  had  brought  our 
women  ?  Mr.  Judson  observed  that  we  had,  and 
that  'we  wished  to  take  shelter  beneath  his 
glory.'  To  w^hich  he  answered,  'stay!  stay  I* 
and  desired  that  Mr.  Judson  might  come  with  our 
women.  Business  being  entirely  suspended  while 
we  remained,  he  seemed  to  desire  our  departure. 
We  therefore  again  paid  him  our  respects  and 
retired,  much  gratified  with  the  favor  shown  us, 
and  which  we  hope,  through  the  overruling  hand 
of  our  Heavenly  Father,  will  be  continued. " 

Descriptive  of  these  same  initiatory  scenes, 
Mrs.  Wheelock  writes  with  some  variety  of  de- 
tails and  reflections. 

"Our  arrival  at  Rangoon  apparently  afforded 
much  diversion  to  many  of  the  Burmans.  A  sight 
of  eight  foreigners,  and  four  of  them  newly  ar- 
rived, was  sufficient  to  collect  many  of  the  inhabi- 
tants together.  Had  you  been  a  spectator  of  our 
meeting  the  dear  friends  here,  I  think  you  would 
have  congratulated  each  of  us.  Brother  Judson 
and  brother  Hough  were  waiting  on  the  shore  to 
receive  us. 

Our  united  desire  is  to  be  useful  to  the  souls 


HAPPY    COMMUNION.  11 

of  this  people.  This  is  the  object,  the  only  ob- 
ject for  which  we  left  our  native  land.  To  ac- 
complish this,  we  trust  that  we  constantly  have 
your  prayers,  and  the  prayers  of  all  the  dear  peo- 
ple of  God.  For  Zion's  sake  may  Christians  not 
hold  their  peace,  and  for  Jerusalem's  sake  may 
they  not  rest,  until  the  righteousness  thereof  go 
forth  as  brightness,  and  the  salvation  thereof  as 
a  lamp  that  burneth  ;  until  this  desert  rejoice 
and  blossom  as  the  rose,  and  streams  of  living 
water,  from  the  river  of  God,  refresh  this  parched 
ground. 

Since  our  arrival,  we  have  enjoyed  the  privi- 
lege of  meeting  around  the  sacramental  board, 
and  commemorating  the  dying  love  of  our  ascended 
Redeemer.  It  was,  indeed,  a  precious  season. 
The  Saviour's  fruit  was  sweet  to  our  taste,  and 
his  banner  over  us  was  love.  In  this  benighted 
region,  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel  shine  with 
redoubled  lustre.  Everything  around  is  calcu- 
lated to  incite  us  to  activity  in  his  blessed  service. " 

The  Missionaries  having  now,  after  nearly  a 
year  from  the  time  they  left  Boston,  attained  their 
destination,  and  entered  the  dwelling  so  long  re- 
garded as  their  future  home,  we  leave  them  for 
the  present  in  the  enjoyment  of  much  happiness, 
closing  this  chapter  -wdth  a  short  extract  from  a 
letter  of  Mr.  Judson,  with  reference  to  the  newly 


72  COLMA.S^    AXD    -WIIEELOCK. 

arrived  members  of  the  Mission  family  at  Ran- 
goon. 

"We  have  had,  I  can  truly  say,  a  most  joyful 
meeting.  You  have  never  seen  them,  or  it  would 
be  unnecessary  to  add  that  they  are  four  lovely 
persons,  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  and  appear 
to  have  much  of  an  humble,  prayerful  spirit." 


CHAPTER  lY. 

niaess  of  the  Missionaries — Journal — Continued  illness  of 
Mr.  Wheelook — Fatal  delay — Final  departure — Temporary 
aid — Increased  fever — Delirium — Death. 

The  joy  of  meeting  portrayed  at  the  close  of 
the  last  chapter  was  destined  soon  to  be  over- 
clouded. 

The  passage  from  Calcutta  to  Rangoon  had 
been  long,  the  accommodations  poor,  the  voyage 
on  the  whole  uncomfortable.  The  rainy  season 
had  set  in,  and  the  dampness  of  the  bedding,  &c., 
induced  coughs  and  colds.  Both  Colman  and 
Wheelock,  neither  of  whom  were  of  robust  con- 
stitution, suffered  from  affections  of  the  lungs. 
The  same  letter  from  Mr.  Judson  that  expresses 
his  satisfaction  at  their  arrival,  adds  his  regret  at 
their  ill-health.  But  while  the  one  soon  recovered, 
the  other  remained  prostrate  under  the  influence 
of  disease.  Mr.  Wheelock  -wTites  thus,  in  one  of 
his  earliest  letters  after  his  arrival.  It  is  ad- 
dressed to  his  parents. 

7  (73) 


74  colman  and  wheelock. 

Mr.  Wheelock  to  his  Parents. 

"  The  excessive  heat  of  Bengal,  combined  with 
my  exertions  in  private  and  public,  considerably 
enervated  my  system.  My  extreme  sea-sickness 
reduced  me  much  lower.  But  after  our  arrival 
in  Rangoon,  I  forgot  my  weakness  and  exerted 
myself  too  much  in  attending  to  our  affairs,  the 
difficulty  of  which  can  only  be  known  by  experi- 
ence. The  Saturday  evening  following  our  arri- 
val (a  week  before,)  after  engaging  in  family 
worship,  I  was  attacked  with  a  slight  turn  of 
raising  blood.  It  was  very  unexpected  and 
alarming  at  first.  But,  in  a  few  days,  I  ceased  to 
raise  any  more,  and  have  now  gained  considerable 
strength  in  my  lungs.  Through  Divine  mercy,  I 
trust  that  I  am  getting  better.  Blessed  be  God, 
that  I  have  an  encouraging  prospect  of  returning 
health.  I  have  a  Burman  teacher  ;  engaged  him 
the  5th  instant,  and  attempted  to  study,  but  was 
obliged  to  relinquish  it.  Harriet,  however,  em- 
ploys him,  and  has  now  begun  to  read  the 
Burman." 

The  ensuing  months  brought  partial  recovery. 
In  Mrs.  Wheelock's  Journal  we  find  the  follow- 
ing entries  at  this  period,  illustrative  of  their  new 
condition  and  progress. 


journal  of  mrs.  wheelock.  75 

Extract  from  the  Journal  of  Mrs.  Wheelock. 

''March  29,  1819. — This  afternoon,  we  visited 
our  Burman  teacher,  who,  for  several  days  past,  has 
been  sick  of  a  fever.  He  was  extremely  feeble, 
but  his  mind  appeared  somewhat  tender,  when 
Mr.  Wheelock  endeavored  to  direct  him  to  the 
Saviour  of  whom  he  had  so  often  read,  and  about 
whom  he  had  so  often  conversed.  He  received  it 
kindly,  and  answered  with  a  look  expressive  of 
his  feelings,  that  he  had  never  yet  learned  to  pray 
to  that  Being,  who,  so  unlike  all  others,  is  not 
the  subject  of  old  age,  sickness,  or  death.  "We 
both  left  this  miserable  little  dwelling  with  sensa- 
tions different  from  what  we  ever  felt  before.  By 
contrasting  our  situation  with  his,  we  could  not 
forbear  exclaiming  :  '  Oh  !  how  rich  is  the  good- 
ness of  our  covenant  God  towards  us  !' 

"■  April  7. — The  Burmans  have  no  coin  among 
them.  Their  money,  which  consists  of  gold,  sil- 
ver, and  lead,  is  always  dealt  out  by  weight.  At 
first  it  was  a  strange  thing  to  weigh  out  a  few 
pounds  of  lead  to  purchase  vegetables  in  the  mar- 
ket, and  little  pieces  of  silver,  also,  for  other 
necessary  articles.  From  our  first  residing  here, 
I  have  taken  the  care,  exclusively,  of  providing 
for  our  family.  This  I  did  at  first  that  Mr.  W. 
might  have  more  time  to  study,  and  not  have  his 


76  COLMAN   AND    WHEELOCK. 

mind  in  the  least  burdened.  Bat  his  health  has 
not  yet  permitted  him  to  attend  closely  to  any 
thing." 

The  services  of  the  Burman  teacher  were,  how- 
ever, still  continued,  and  efforts  for  the  acquisi- 
tion of  the  language  perseveringly  made  We 
continue  our  extracts. 

"  IT. — Could  my  dear  Mrs. make  us  a  short 

visit,  she  would  see  us  sitting  in  a  long,  open  veran- 
dah with  our  teacher,  eagerly  catching  the  instruc- 
tion which  he  imparts.  To  get  hold  of  the  idiom 
of  a  foreign  language,  and  to  be  able  to  communi- 
cate one's  ideas  intelligibly,  is  no  small  task.  It 
must  be  the  labor  of  years.  Work  preparatory  to 
study,  such  as  copying  off  the  grammar  and  dic- 
tionary, has  hitherto  employed  the  greater  part 
of  my  time.  I  have  now  finished  copying  the 
grammar  and  four  hundred  and  twenty  pages  of 
the  dictionary,  which  is  all  that  brother  Judson 
has  yet  prepared.  These  will  be  invaluable  helps. 
We  find  it  to  be  a  great  assistance  to  hear  Bur- 
man  conversation,  and  with  this  we  are  frequently 
favored,  on  account  of  our  occupying  the  two 
middle  rooms,  which  are  better  situated  for  the 
reception  of  Burmans  than  any  other  in  the 
house. 

Sometimes  they  are  disposed  to  hear  the  truths 
of  the  Gospel,  and  will  listen  attentively  while  two 


HEATHEN    DIFFICULTIES.  17 

or  three  chapters  of  Matthew  are  read.  To-day, 
two  or  three  women  appeared  particularly  anxious 
to  hear  and  understand,  and  seemed  to  feel  the 
propriety  of  several  remarks.  They  had  never 
before  thought  of  the  existence  of  a  God.  They 
could  not  conceive  that  they  had  been  sinning 
against  Him  all  their  lives,  as  they  had  never  be- 
fore heard  the  mention  of  his  name.  We  should 
often  have  our  hopes  raised  of  these  Burmans  who 
appear  so  attentive  to  the  words  of  life,  had  we 
not  so  frequently  been  disappointed.  We  are 
daily,  nay,  hourly  convinced  that  nothing  short 
of  Almighty  grace  can  effect  the  conversion  of 
their  souls. 

^' April  28. — God  has  been  pleased  to  deprive  us 
of  the  privilege  of  an  intense  application  to  study, 
and  has  blighted  our  prospects  of  present  useful- 
ness by  visiting  Mr.  Wheelock  with  sickness.  He 
raised  blood  soon  after  our  arrival,  and  has  never 
been  well  since." 

Again,  under  date  of  July  14. — "  Mr.  W.  has 
had  a  slight  cough,  which  has  increased  and 
preyed  upon  his  constitution.  It  is  attended  with 
a  fever,  night  sweats,  and  sometimes  a  pain  in  his 
side.  My  fears  respecting  him  are  greatly  ex- 
cited. Could  we  obtain  medical  advice  here,  my 
mind  would  be  greatly  relieved.  But  with  this 
we  cannot  be  favored  without  taking  another  voy- 
1* 


T8  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

age  at  sea.  We  have  seriously  thought  of  going 
to  Bengal,  and  hesitate  only  at  the  expense  which 
must  necessarily  be  incurred.  We  know  not  the 
path  of  duty,  nor  the  will  of  God  respecting  us. 
Guide  us,  0  thou  great  Jehovah,  and  glorify  thy- 
self of  us  !" 

The  Missionaries  hesitated  long  whether  they 
should  impose  upon  the  Board  at  home  the  ex- 
pense of  their  voyage.  Mr.  Wheelock,  in  a  jour- 
nal kept  occasionally  by  himself  at  this  time,  asks, 
"  Is  money  to  be  put  in  competition  with  life  ?" 
He  was  himself  desirous  of  going.  In  the  inter- 
vals of  a  flattering  disease,  he  felt  that,  under 
more  favorable  circumstances,  health  might  be 
regained.  This  hope  was  not  shared  by  his  Mis- 
sionary brethren.  Mrs.  W.,  after  expressing  re- 
gret at  the  necessity  of  acting  without  the  advice 
of  the  other  friends,  proceeds  : 

"  Feeling  a  settled  conviction  that  it  is  his  duty 
to  use  every  means  in  his  power  to  regain  his 
health,  Mr.  W.  has  made  application  to  Captain 
Snowball,  for  a  passage  on  board  the  Britannia. 
He  will  take  us  for  three  hundred  rupees  (one 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars).  The  vessel  is  large, 
of  eight  hundred  tons.  It  has  already  dropped 
down  the  river,  and  we  shall  probably  go  the  day 
after  to-morrow.  On  account  of  the  expense,  I 
have  thought  of  remaining  in  Rangoon,  but  I  can 


LETTER  OF  MRS.  WHEELOCK.  T9 

not  think  this  is  a  sufficient  reason.     No  ;  I  will 
go  with  him.^'' 

Letter  of  Mrs.  Wheelock. 

On  board  the  Britannia,  Au'^ust  13,  1819. 

"  Five  days  since  we  left  the  Mission  house. 
Mr.  Wheelock  was  carried  in  a  chair  by  four  men, 
to  the  house  of  Mr.  Turner,  near  the  water  side. 
From  this  place,  after  a  little  rest,  we  embarked 
in  a  large  boat,  and  sailed  about  ten  miles  ere  we 
reached  the  ship.  Capt.  H.  and  brother  C.  ac- 
companied us.  Mr.  Wheelock  is  now  much  bet- 
ter than  he  has  been  for  several  weeks  past.  Our 
accommodations  on  board  are  excellent.  We 
have  a  large  cabin,  in  which  are  two  doors,  and 
five  windows  with  venitian  blinds,  and  one  glass 
window.  One  door  opens  into  a  spacious  gallery, 
half  of  which  we  also  occupy,  and  the  other  into 
the  dining  room.  We  can  have  as  much  or  as 
little  air  as  we  please.     This  we  highly  prize. 

"  I  think  Mr.  W.  is  stronger  and  better  now  than 
when  we  left  Hangoon,  though  his  dreadful  cough, 
fever,  and  night-sweats  still  attend  him.  We 
have  at  present,  however,  reason  to  believe  that 
the  voyage  will  be  beneficial  to  him.  When 
we  left  Rangoon,  I  thought  him  too  low  to  sur- 
vive the  voyage  ;  but  my  hopes  and  expectations 
are  now  a  little  raised,  and  I  think  I  may  yet  see 


80  COLMAN    AND   WHEELOCK. 

him  in  the  enjoyment  of  health.  He  is  able  to 
speak  stronger,  sit  up  longer,  and  take  more 
nourishment  than  when  he  came  on  board.  We 
hope  our  passage  will  not  exceed  fourteen  days. 
Nearly  half  that  time  has  already  expired  ;  and  I 
would  record  it  among  the  greatest  of  our  tempo- 
ral mercies,  neither  Mr.  W.  nor  myself  has  yet 
experienced  the  most  slight  attack  of  sea-sickness. 
This  is,  probably,  owing  to  the  free  circulation  of 
air  which  we  constantly  enjoy,  and  to  the  size  of 
the  ship.  It  rides  upon  the  waters  with  perfect 
ease,  and  we  scarce  feel  the  motion." 

Again,  at  another  date,  Mrs.  W.  proceeds  : — 
''Mr.  Wheelock's  mind  was  in  the  same  com- 
fortable, happy  state  for  seven  or  eight  days  after 
we  embarked,  that  it  had  been  for  six  months  be- 
fore. '  My  dear  Harriet,'  said  he  to  me  at  one 
time,  '  I  feel  sweetly  resigned  to  the  will  of  God. 
as  it  respects  my  present  and  future  state  of 
health.  I  feel  that  I  have  done  my  duty  in  leav- 
ing Rangoon,  and  that  God  will  accept  my  desires 
to  do  something  for  the  poor  Burmans,  even  if  he 
should  never  permit  me  to  return.'  At  another 
time  he  said,  *  I  feel  my  soul  enlarged  in  prayer 
for  the  salvation  of  the  heathen.  0,  if  it  is  the 
will  of  God  that  I  shall  be  again  restored  to 
health,  with  how  much  delight  shall  I  enter  upon 
the  work  of  preaching  Christ  unto  the  Burmans.* 


MR.    WHEELOCK's   last   WORDS.  81 

At  another  time,  thinking  him  a  little  dejected,  I 
inquired  why  he  was  cast  down.  '  I  am  not  cast 
down,'  said  he  ;  '  on  the  contrary,  I  am  tranquil 
and  happy.  I  feel  the  truth  of  that  passage  in 
John,  ^  God  is  loveP  He  has  manifested  his  love 
to  my  soul  in  such  a  manner,  he  has  given  me  such 
blessed  assurances  of  a  final  victory  over  all  my 
sins  and  corruptions,  that  my  heart  is  melted 
within  me.     O,  the  amazing  love  of  God  !' 

This  voyage  was  also  made  comfortable  and 
happy  by  the  captain  of  the  ship,  who  was  most 
assiduously  kind  in  providing  every  comfort  and 
indulgence  grateful  to  an  invalid.  The  ship  af- 
forded many  little  luxuries  not  to  be  obtained  in 
Rangoon ;  the  absence  of  which,  unnoticed  in 
health,  is  in  sickness  always  regretted  by  those 
whose  duty  it  is  to  minister  to  the  suffering.  In 
the  means  of  rendering  life  comfortable,  they 
were  far  better  off  on  ship-board  than  on  shore. 

But  this  pleasant  aspect  of  things  was  of  short 
duration.  Symptoms  of  an  unfavorable  nature 
appeared.  These  are  regretfully  recorded  by 
Mrs.  W.,  and,  as  before,  she  casts  her  care  on 
God. 

But  darker  days  were  to  come.  The  seat  of  the 
disease  seemed  changed.  The  mind,  hitherto 
calm  and  clear  as  crystal  waters  beneath  a  sum- 
mer sky,  was  overclouded.     The  bitterest  of  all 


82  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

griefs  awaited  the  lone  watcher  by  the  couch  of 
the  dying.  How  often  does  the  mystic  chain, 
which  binds  soul  and  body  together,  cause  the 
one  to  suffer  through  the  infirmities  of  the  other. 
So  it  was  now.  The  soul,  which  had  often 
plumed  its  wing  and  soared  to  the  heights  of  re- 
ligious joy,  was  now  cast  down  into  the  depths  of 
despondency.  The  lips,  which  had  hitherto  spo- 
ken only  words  of  love,  now  addressed  her  who 
stood  at  his  side,  as  an  utter  stranger  I  The 
tones  that  had  so  often,  and  with  so  much  sweet- 
ness, revealed  to  others  the  great  idea  of  the  Di- 
vine glory,  now  bewailed  the  imagined  misery  of 
having  become  an  outcast  from  God. 

The  journal  of  Mrs.  W.  proceeds  : 

''  His  depression  of  spirit  increased.  The  fever 
also  increased,  and,  from  that  time,  raged  princi- 
pally in  his  head,  and  deprived  him  of  his  senses. 
Several  times,  during  the  two  first  days  of  his 
distress,  he  looked  very  wild,  and  complained  of  a 
severe  pain  in  his  head.  I  had  not  then,  however, 
the  least  idea  of  his  being  delirious.  But  the 
next  morning,  as  I  was  sitting  reading  the  Bible 
to  him,  he  suddenly  rose  up  from  the  chair  in 
which  he  reclined,  and  went  out  of  the  cabin  door 
into  the  quarter  gallery.  I  instantly  followed 
him,  and  began  to  express  my  surprise  that  he 
should  have  attempted  going  there  without  my 


JOURNAL    OF    MRS.    WHEELOCK.  83 

assistance  (a  thing  which  he  had  never  done  be- 
fore). He  had,  by  this  time,  reached  a  window 
in  the  back  part  of  the  ship,  and  was  just  ready 
to  jump  out.  I  caught  him,  clasped  him  in  my 
arms,  and  then  led  him  back  to  the  bed.  When  a 
little  revived,  (for  he  was  quite  exhausted  by  the 
effort  which  he  had  made,  and  was  as  helpless  as 
an  infant,)  I  endeavored  to  converse  with  him, 
and  found  that  he  v/as  entirely  ignorant  of  what 
he  had  attempted  to  do,  and  that  he  did  not  even 
know  where  he  was.  Towards  evening  he  again 
attempted  to  get  out  of  the  cabin  to  destroy  him- 
self. 

"  From  the  time  that  I  at  first  discovered  his  de- 
lirious state,  I  never  left  him  a  moment  without 
charging  the  servant  to  take  particular  care  of 
him,  and  I  now  redoubled  this  charge  not  to  let 
him  rise  from  the  chair  or  bed  till  I  returned. 
But  with  all  my  anxious  care  and  watchfulness,  I 
could  not  preserve  him  from  death.  During  the 
whole  of  the  night  he  appeared  very  wild,  and 
never  closed  his  eyes  in  sleep.  Early  in  the 
morning  he  was  quite  insensible  to  anything  that 
occurred,  but  expressed  great  anxiety  to  know 
what  place  he  was  in.  This  morning,  however, 
he  went  into  the  public  room  and  breakfasted. 
Capt.  S.  then  observed,  that  he  was  an  altered 
person.     I  had  desired  Mr.  W.  to  l-et  me  take 


84  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

breakfast  with  him  in  our  cabin,  being  afraid  to 
leave  him  even  with  the  servant,  but  to  this  he 
would  not  consent  and  therefore  went  with  me. 
All  the  forenoon  he  was  in  great  distress  of  body 
and  mind.  I  endeavored  to  comfort  him,  but  it 
was  all  in  vain.  He  believed  me  to  be  an  evil 
spirit  sent  from  the  Lord  to  afflict  him.  At  noon 
he  took  more  nourishment  than  usual,  and  I 
thought  him  better." 

They  were  now,  (Aug.  20th,)  approaching  Cal- 
cutta, and  sailing  very  rapidly.  In  the  expectation 
that  a  post-boat  would  be  alongside  in  the  morning, 
Mrs.  Wheelock  thought  it  best  to  make  the  ear- 
liest possible  effort  to  procure  medical  aid.  The 
sufferer  was  reclining  in  an  easy  chair.  More  com- 
fortable than  he  had  been  before  at  any  previous 
hour  of  the  day,  he  had  apparently  fallen  into  a 
slumber.  Mrs.  W.  sat  down  to  inform  the  En- 
glish Missionary  friends  of  the  state  of  things — 
well  knowing  that  every  aid  in  their  power  would 
speedily  be  afforded.  In  order  to  write,  the  mo- 
tion of  the  vessel  obliged  her  to  turn  partially 
away.  She  had  but  just  put  pen  to  paper,  when 
she  heard  the  door  of  the  quarter  gallery  close. 
Supposing  it  to  have  been  left  ajar,  she  arose  to 
secure  it,  that  its  swaying  might  not  awaken  the 
sleeper.  On  returning  to  the  spot  which  she  had 
left,  the  easy  chair  was  vacant  I 


DEATH    OF    MR.    WTTEELOCK,  85 

Shrieks  of  fearful  agony  rung  through  the  ves- 
sel ;  a  frantic  form  flew  up  and  down  and  searched 
in  all  directions  for  the  missing  ;  others  joined  in 
the  search.  It  was  in  vain  !  The  huge  ship 
was  holding  on  her  rapid  way  ;  but  the  fever- 
wasted  form  of  the  stricken  child  of  sufiTering 
rested  beneath  the  waves. 


Lamented  youth  !  How  like  the  orb  of  day, 

Brilliant  and  doudless  rose  thy  morning  ray; 

Rejoicing  myriads  hailed  the  lovely  light 

Ascending  swiftly  towards  meridian  height; 

The  hardy  sailor  blest  it  on  the  sea, 

The  awe-struck  soldier  owned  its  purit}' ; 

When  lo  !  struck  down,  ere  half  thy  course  was  run, 

Our  startled  eyes  beheld  thy  setting  sun  ! 

The  mournful  tidings  spread  a  sudden  gloom — 

*  Wheelock  has  sunk  into  an  ocean  tomb — 

Denied  his  fondest  wish,  his  fervent  prayer, 

To  die  in  Burmah,  and  be  buried  there : 

Lo,  widowed  Love,  and  pure  Religion  weep — 

Their  hopes,  with  ours,  are  buried  in  the  deep !' 

Speak,  sainted  spirit,  from  thy  new-found  sphere — 
If  Heaven  permit — into  the  mourner's  ear  ; 
'  Thoug'h  worn  with  sickness  and  harassed  with  pain, 
Dark  shadows  gathered  o'er  my  fevered  brain ; 
They  had  no  power  immortal  ties  to  rend, 
My  much  loved  Master  loved  me  to  the  end  ; 
And  His  calm  voice  broke  through  the  shades  of  death- 
Why  didst  thou  doubt— 0  thou  of  little  faith  ? 
When  dim  delirium  o'er  my  senses  stole, 
A  glorious  vision  brightened  on  my  soul, 

8 


86  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 


Of  Jesus  walking  on  the  midnight 
And  my  heart  cried,  Lord,  bid  me  come  to  thee ! 
I  sprang,  like  Peter,  at  the  welcome  word, 
On  the  sea's  heaving  waves  to  meet  my  Lord : 
I  sank,  like  Peter — but  more  highly  blest — 
My  Saviour  caught  me  to  His  Heavenly  rest  !* 

J.  N.  B. 


CHAPTER  y. 

The  Mission  reduced — Journey  of  Judson  and  Colman  to  Ava 
— The  visit  to  the  Palace — The  petitions — The  disappoint- 
ment— The  return  to  Rangoon. 

Colman  was  now  the  only  assistant  of  Judson. 
In  the  early  part  of  1819,  he  writes  thus,  concern- 
ing the  people  among  whom  he  was  preparing  to 
labor. 

"  In  the  mind  of  a  Burman  there  are  none  of 
those  strings  which  preachers  in  Christian  lands 
touch  with  success.  He  denies  the  existence  of 
a  Supreme  and  Eternal  Being."  If  this  denial 
be  true,  there  can  be  no  sin  against  him,  and 
consequently,  there  can  be  no  necessity  for  an 
atonement.  These  great  truths,  which  lie  at  the 
foundation  of  revealed  religion,  never  glanced 
into  a  Burman's  mind.  He  has  not  the  least  con- 
ception that  this  world  was  created  and  is  up- 
held by  Almighty  power,  wisdom  and  goodness. 
When  puzzled  in  argument,  he  still  remains  unaf- 
'fected,  unimpressed.  The  utmost  which  he  ac- 
knowledges is,  that  superior  genius  compels  him 
to  bow.     Here,  generally,  conviction  ends. 

(87) 


88  COLMAN   AND    WHEELOCK. 

Among  a  people  so  dark  and  impenetrable, 
how  clearly  do  we  see  the  necessity  of  Divine 
operation !  Yain  are  the  powers  of  reason ;  vain 
are  the  charms  of  eloquence.  0,  that  our  Ameri- 
can friends  would  pray  for  us  and  for  the  poor 
heathen  to  whom  we  are  sent.  Could  they  but 
see  the  thousands  which,  once  every  week,  press 
to  the  great  Pagoda,  their  hearts  would  be  deeply 
affected,  and  a  new  spring  be  given  to  their  Mis- 
sionary efforts. 

The  house  in  which  we  live,  stands  at  some 
distance  from  any  public  road.  It  is  advantage- 
ously situated  for  those  who  are  acquiring  the 
language.  We  can  just  hear  the  bustle  of  the 
town  without  being  disturbed  by  it.  This  retired 
spot,  however,  is  but  poorly  calculated  to  attract 
the  attention  of  the  Burmans.  This  is  one  rea- 
son why  so  few  call  to  inquire  about  the  religion 
of  Jesus. 

Feeling  this  to  be  a  serious  obstacle  to  Mission- 
ary exertions,  we  have  finally  purchased  a  small 
piece  of  land  adjoining  a  part  of  the  premises 
which  previously  belonged  to  the  Society.  Here 
a  temporary  house  in  Burman  &tj\e  is  erecting, 
in  which  brother  Judson  intends  to  pass  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  each  day.  It  will  stand  upon  one 
of  the  roads,  which  lead  to  the  great  Pagoda. 


THE   WHITE   ZAYAT.  89 

The  passing  is  immense,  especially  on  worship 
days. 

We  hope  and  pray  that  the  Divine  blessing  will 
attend  this  effort.  It  is  the  most  public  one  that 
has  yet  been  made.  The  Gospel  must  be  openly 
preached — the  event  must  be  left  with  God." 

A  description  of  this  first  Christian  temple  in 
Burmah,  (opened  April  25th,  1819,)  we  find  in  a 
letter  of  another  Missionary. 

''  The  Zayat  is  situated  thirty  or  forty  rods 
from  the  Mission  House,  and  in  dimensions  is 
twenty-seven  by  eighteen  feet.  It  is  raised  four 
feet  from  the  ground,  and  is  divided  into  three 
parts.  The  first  division  is  laid  entirely  open  to 
the  road  without  doors,  windows,  or  a  partition 
in  the  front  side,  and  takes  up  a  third  part  of  the 
whole  building.  It  is  made  of  bamboo  and 
thatch,  and  is  the  place  where  Mr.  Judson  sits 
all  the  day  long,  and  says  to  the  passers  by,  '  Ho  I 
every  one  that  thirsteth !'  &c.  The  next  and 
middle  division  is  a  large,  airy  room,  with  four 
doors  and  four  windows,  opening  in  opposite  di- 
rections, made  entirely  of  boards,  and  is  white- 
washed to  distinguish  it  from  the  other  zayats 
around  us.  In  this  room  we  have  public  worship 
on  the  Sabbath.  The  third  and  last  division  is 
only  an  entry  way,  which  opens  into  a  garden 
leading  to  the  Mission  House." 
8* 


90  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

But  these  improved  arrangements  had  been  made 
but  a  few  months,  when  difficulties  arose,  such  as 
had  been  unknown  before.  Hitherto,  in  their 
peculiar  labors,  the  Missionaries  had  been  free 
from  irksome  restraint  on  the  part  of  the  Burman 
government.  The  retired  lives  of  the  white  for- 
eigners, the  few  and  obscure  converts  that  had 
been  made,  had  attracted  little  attention.  But  it 
could  not  be  always  so.  A  Burman  teacher,  a 
person  of  some  literary  distinction,  was  known  to 
be  examining  into  the  truth  of  the  new  religion. 
A  single  remark  from  the  viceroy,  when  informed 
of  this,  spread  terror  among  the  inquirers.  '  The 
"White  Zayat '  was  forsaken. 

Mr.  Judson  became  convinced  that  without 
the  favor  of  the  monarch  of  Burmah,  protection 
was  not  to  be  expected  for  those  who  might  em- 
brace Christianity.  He  finally  resolved  to  visit 
the  capital  to  petition  for  the  privilege  of  preach- 
ing the  gospel.  In  this  most  interesting  journey 
he  was  accompanied  by  Mr.  Colman. 

The  city  of  Ava,  the  capital  of  Burmah,  is  also 
on  the  Irawaddy,  some  three  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  from  Rangoon.  The  pointed,  canoe-like 
boats,  manned  and  guided  by  the  natives,  pre- 
sented the  mode  of  traveling,  and  on  the  22d  of 
December,  1819,  in  the  dry  season  of  the  year, 
when  vegetation  is  in  all  the  richness  and  beauty 


VISIT    TO    AYA.  91 

of  that  tropic  clime,  tliey  bade  farewell  to  their 
home  and  companions,  and  set  out  on  their  un- 
tried journey.  Their  course  lies,  for  many  days, 
through  a  flat,  level  country,  its  sameness  scarcely 
relieved  by  a  hill,  though  abounding  with  popu- 
lous villages.  As  they  ascend  the  river  the  sur- 
face becomes  gradually  more  undulating  and  the 
scenery  changed.  The  green  hills  are  crowned 
by  gilded  Pagodas.  Ah,  how  pleasant,  how  joy- 
ful would  be  the  sight,  were  these  pointing  spires 
the  indexes  of  Christian  temples  ! 

"  Like  moral  telegraphs  that  bear 
The  upward  thoughts  of  the  forgiven." 

But  the  Missionaries  cannot  forget  that  these  are 
idol  shrines,  and  though  they  crown  the  green 
hill-tops  with  splendor,  yet  to  the  thoughtful  mind 
there  is  evermore  a  blight  upon  their  beauty,  a 
mildew  upon  their  brightness. 

Yet  the  travelers  went  cheerfully  on,  for  their 
minds  were  full  of  the  sunshine  of  hope.  Would 
the  monarch  of  all  this  wide  realm  but  smile  upon 
their  petition,  then,  without  molestation,  they 
could  preach  the  Divine  word.  The  native  vil- 
lages furnished  opportunities  to  distribute  tracts, 
telling  of  the  Eternal  God,  and  the  Missionaries 
could  leave  their  boat  and  walk  among  the 
thatched  houses  that  stood  upon  the  river  banks. 


92  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

Now  the  little  vessel  sails  slowly  by  the  magnifi- 
cent ruins  of  an  ancient  city — deserted,  but  not 
entirely  dismantled  of  its  splendor.  Weeks  pass, 
yet  still  the  frail  barque  holds  on  her  way.  Rumors 
are  heard  of  daring  robberies.  These  two  Mis- 
sionaries have  truly  taken  their  lives  in  their 
hands.  They  meet  nowhere  a  familiar  face,  save 
the  faithful  Moung  Nau,  the  first  Burman  con- 
vert, who  accompanies  them  ;  they  know  not  of  a 
Christian  in  all  that  region,  so  new,  so  strange. 

After  a  voyage  of  five  weeks,  they  arrived,  Jan. 
25th,  1820,  at  Amarapoora,  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment, four  miles  above  Ava,  the  present  capital. 

Here  they  found  Mya-day-men,  the  former  vice- 
roy of  Rangoon.  He  was  known  to  the  Missiona- 
ries, had  treated  them  with  consideration  at  their 
home,  and  his  wife  had  extended  very  courteous 
regards  to  Mrs.  Judson.  To  appear  before  a 
Burman  officer  of  government  without  a  gift 
would  be  considered  rude.  The  Missionaries  were 
therefore  provided  with  suitable  presents.  An 
elegant  gilt  Bible  was  designed  for  the  King.  It 
was  in  six  volumes,  each  volume  being  enclosed 
in  a  rich  envelope.  Valuable  gifts  had  also  been 
prepared  for  the  officers  of  government.  The 
kindness  of  Mya-day-men  formerly  extended  to 
the  Missionaries,  was  not  withheld  now.  The 
presents  brought  to  himself  and  wife  were  received 


VISIT   TO   AVA.  93 

and  the  petition  for  leave  to  behold  the  golden  face 
passed  to  the  person  proper  to  attend  to  it.  This 
was  a  private  minister  of  state  called  an  Atwen- 
ivooR.  Little  idea  can  they,  whose  home  is  in  a 
land  of  freedom,  where  government  is  based  upon 
the  equality  of  men,  where  rulers  are  made  so  by 
the  voice  of  the  people,  know  of  the  homage  paid 
in  the  eastern  world  to  royalty.  Little  even  does 
the  European  know  of  the  craven  humility,  the 
abject  fear,  with  which  the  East  Indian  approaches 
his  lord. 

The  favor  of  Mya-day-men  saved  the  Missiona- 
ries much  trouble  and  delay.  But  for  this,  to- 
gether with  his  high  standing  as  an  officer  of  state, 
their  petition,  instead  of  going  so  directly  to  the 
King,  would  have  passed  up  through  various 
grades  of  officers,  attended,  at  each  successive 
step,  with  outlay  and  inconvenience. 

Evening  came,  and  in  their  boat,  their  only 
home,  they  had  leisure  to  think  upon  their  situa- 
tion and  prospects.  Their  hopes  were  kept  alive 
by  a  visit  from  Moung  Yo,  the  officer  who  was  to 
conduct  them  to  the  Atwenwoon.  He  would,  he 
said,  attend  them  on  the  morrow.  What  thoughts 
filled  their  minds,  what  prayers  sprung  from  their 
lips,  as,  at  that  eventful  period,  they  together 
awaited  the  morning.  They  could  not  sleep. 
Their  position,  the  remembrance  of  the  object  for 


I^i  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

which  they  had  come,  the  royal  word,  so  big  with 
joy  or  grief  for  them,  with  spiritual  life  or  death 
for  that  vast  realm,  as  it  then  seemed  to  them, 
held  their  eyes  waking.  What  could  they  do  but 
again  and  again  commend  themselves  to  the  Al- 
mighty, taking,  as  the  hours  of  night  waned  slowly, 
firmer  and  firmer  hold  on  that  strength  which  is 
Eternal, 

The  next  day  the  Atwenwoon,  Moung  Zah,  re- 
ceived them  graciously.  Here  they  disclosed 
their  object.  They  were  "propagators  of  reli- 
gion." They  wished  to  have  leave  to  exercise 
this  privilege  in  the  Burman  Empire.  The  min- 
ister of  state  took  their  petition  and  began  to 
read.  At  that  moment  he  was  told  that  the  golden 
foot  was  about  to  advance.  Kising,  he  told  the  pe- 
titioners that  he  must  seize  that  very  moment  to 
present  them  to  the  Emperor.  Arrayed  in  full 
dress,  he  exclaims,  "  Come  along. ^^  They  fol- 
lowed, and  through  many  passages  and  up  a 
flight  of  stairs,  were  ushered  into  a  magnificent 
ball.  Its  lofty  dome  was  supported  by  pillars, 
the  whole  blazing  with  burnished  gold.  Erom 
the  further  end  of  this  princely  saloon,  the  mon- 
arch advanced.  "Every  head,"  says  Mr.  Jud- 
son,  "excepting  ours,  was  now  in  the  dust.  "We 
remained  kneeling,  our  hands  folded,  our  eyes 
fixed  on  the  monarch.     When  he  drew  near,  we 


PRESENTATION    TO   THE    KING.  95 

caught  his  attention.  He  stopped,  partly  turned 
towards  us — ''Who  are  these  ?"  "  The  teachers, 
great  king,"  I  replied.  "What,  you  speak  Bur- 
man — the  priests  that  I  heard  of  last  night  ?" 
"When  did  you  arrive?"  "Are  you  teachers 
of  religion?"  "Are  you  like  the  Portuguese 
priests  ?"  "  Are  you  married  ?"  "  Why  do  you 
dress  so  ?"  These  and  some  other  similar  ques- 
tions, we  answered ;  when  he  appeared  to  be 
pleased  with  us,  and  sat  down  on  an  elevated 
seat^ — his  hand  resting  on  the  hilt  of  his  sword, 
and  his  eyes  intently  fixed  on  us." 

The  officer  who  had  presented  them,  now  seiz- 
ing the  favorable  moment,  began  to  read  the  peti- 
tion. It  was  to  the  effect  that  they  be  permitted 
to  preach  and  propagate  their  religion  without 
molestation.  The  king  heard  it  through,  and 
reached  out  his  hand  for  the  paper.  How  did  the 
hopes  of  the  Missionaries  rise !  He  looks  at  it, 
reads  it  through  deliberately.  Then  a  tract  is 
handed  out  by  Mr.  Judson.  This  was  a  moment 
of  hope  and  prayer.  Will  the  golden  face  smile 
upon  the  petitioners  ?  Xay,  will  he  believe  ? 
For  in  that  little  paper  which  he  holds  in  his 
hand  are  the  words  of  Eternal  Life.  But  no  ;  he 
has  read  a  sentence  or  two — he  dashes  it  to  the 
ground  I  He  rises  with  the  port  and  stateliness 
befitting  a  king,  but  little  weens  that  he  has  cast 


96  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

away  the  knowledge  of  the  King  of  the  universe— 
the  pearl  of  great  price,  for  which  it  were  wisdom 
to  sell  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth,  parting  even 
with  all  the  gems  and  gold  of  the  Indies  to  buy. 

Both  Judson  and  Colman  knew  that  this  deci- 
sion was  final.  They  had  ascertained  beyond  a 
doubt,  that  the  toleration  of  the  Burman  govern- " 
ment  extended  no  further  than  merely  to  allow  to 
foreigners  the  exercise  of  their  own  religious  wor- 
ship. The  converts  among  the  natives  were,  and 
must  be,  by  this  rule,  entirely  unprotected.  So 
fully  aware  were  they  of  the  defeat  of  their  hopes, 
that  they  were  ready  at  once  to  return.  With 
hearts  saddened  by  disappointment,  yet  sustained 
by  a  trust  in  God,  and  a  belief  in  the  ultimate 
wisdom  and  perfection  of  all  which  he  ordains, 
they  repaired  to  their  boat.  After  a  rapid  pas- 
sage of  twenty  days  down  the  river,  (they  had 
been  more  than  thirty  in  ascending  it,)  they  were 
welcomed  once  more  to  the  Mission  House  at 
Rangoon. 


CHAPTER  YI. 

Chittagong — Labors  of  De  Bruyn — Contemplated  removal— 
Remonstrances  of  the  Burman  converts — City  of  refuge — 
Departure  of  Colman  for  Chittagong — The  Arracanese  con- 
verts— Cox's  Bazaar — Plans  for  native  schools — Sickness  of 
Mr.  Colman — Death. 

Having  failed  to  obtain  favor  from  the  Burman 
king,  Messrs.  Judson  and  Colman  turned  their  at- 
tention to  a  region  where  they  would  be  out  of 
his  power. 

Half  way  between  Rangoon  and  Calcutta  lay 
the  little  province  of  Chittagong.  About  one 
hundred  and  twenty  miles  in  length,  its  inhabi- 
tants, of  the  Arracanese  nation,  speak  the  Bur- 
man language.  This  province,  with  its  chief  town 
of  the  same  name,  was,  even  at  the  time  of  which 
we  speak,  under  the  British  rule.  Here  was  a 
promising  field  of  Missionary  labor.  An  English- 
man, named  De  Bruyn,  by  profession  a  teacher, 
had  here  labored  and  gathered  sixty  or  seventy 
converts.  The  work  was  progressing  in  his 
hands,  when  he  lost  his  life  through  the  treachery 
of  a  young  man  who  had  been  received  into  his 
9  (9T) 


98  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

family,  and  repaid  the  kindness  given  by  murder- 
ing the  bestower.  Mr.  de  Bruyn  was,  at  the  time 
of  the  arrival  of  Colman  and  Wheelock,  the  most 
successful  of  the  English  Missionaries.  Mr.  Jud- 
son  had  himself,  not  far  from  this  time,  under- 
taken a  voyage  to  Chittagong  to  obtain  some  aid 
from  the  native  converts.  In  this  he  was  unsuc- 
cessful— having  been,  against  his  will,  carried  to 
the  Coromandel  coast  and  detained  from  his  labors 
many  months. 

Safety  for  the  Christian  Burmans  in  Rangoon 
could  no  longer  be  expected.  A  word  from  the 
residing  governor,  the  representative  of  the  golden 
face,  might  at  any  time  disperse  the  crowd  of  in- 
quirers that  filled  the  Zayat.  The  Missionaries  feit 
that  in  the  beginnings  of  the  religious  life,  the  first 
dawning  of  the  day,  they  could  hardly  look  for 
the  strength  of  martyr  zeal  from  all  the  baptized. 
They  thought  of  leaving  the  Mission  House  in 
Rangoon  for  a  more  inviting  field  at  Chittagong. 
They  wished  also  to  prepare  a  place  to  which  per- 
secuted Burman  Christians  could  flee,  without  los- 
ing the  religious  privileges  to  which  they  might 
be  accustomed. 

The  faith,  however,  of  the  converts  in  this  time 
of  trial,  exceeded  their  expectations.  They  gath- 
ered around  the  Missionaries,  they  entreated 
movingly  that  the   teachers   would   stay.     One 


ZEAL    OF   THE   CONVERTS.  99 

declared  that  he  would  never  leave  them  but 
would  follow  them  to  any  part  of  the  world  ;  an- 
other, that  he  would  go  "  where  preaching  was  to 
be  had."  Said  another,  "if  I  must  be  left  here 
alone,  I  will  remain  performing  the  duties  of 
Jesus  Christ's  religion  ;  no  other  shall  I  think  of." 

The  Missionaries  wept.  They  had  not  been 
aware  that  the  converts  had  for  themselves  so 
strong  a  regard,  for  the  Christian  faith  so  pervad- 
ing and  absorbing  a  love.  How  shall  they  leave 
this  little  baud  of  brethren  to  whom  their  hearts 
are  knit,  and  who  are  entreating  them  not  to  go  ? 
Though  the  King  of  Burmah  has  frowned  upon 
their  labors,  is  not  the  smile  of  God  resting  upon 
them  ? 

It  was  now  suggested  that  one  missionary 
might  remain,  and  the  other  go.  If  Colman  go 
to  Chittagong,  should  persecution  rage  in  Ran- 
goon, the  former  place  would  be  as  a  city  of 
refuge  to  such  converts  as  might  be  obliged  to 
flee.  This  measure  at  first  seemed  grievous. 
Shall  the  missionary,  who  labored  so  long  single 
handed,  be  again  left ;  and  that  without  the  hope 
of  toleration  !  Again,  shall  Colman  leave  this 
little  band  of  disciples  in  the  very  paw  of  the  lion, 
to  go  himself  to  a  place  of  greater  security  ? 
Having  braved  so  much  of  danger  along  with 
Judson,  shall  it  be  said  that  he  deserted  the  sta- 


BMOO  dOLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

tion  in  its  day  of  darkness  ?  Thus  he  reasoned. 
This,  however,  was  overruled.  '*  It  was,"  said 
Mr.  Judson,  "  for  the  good  of  the  whole  mission." 
The  matter  was  freely  canvassed,  and  the  result 
was  the  establishment  of  the  new  station. 

On  the  2nh  of  March,  1820,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Colman  left  Rangoon  for  Chittagong,  now  called 
Arracan.  It  was  necessary  to  go  by  sea  to 
Calcutta,  crossing  the  Bay  of  Bengal,  and  then 
skirting  along  the  northern  coast,  arrive  at  their 
destination. 

Mr.  Colman  writes,  June  17th. — "  The  district 
of  Chittagong  contains  1,200,000  inhabitants. 
As  yet  I  have  been  able  to  ascertain  but  little 
concerning  the  converted  Arracanese.  They  re- 
side between  forty  and  fifty  miles  from  the  place, 
and  as  the  rainy  season  has  commenced,  I  shall 
be  under  the  necessity  of  deferring  a  visit  to 
them  for  several  months.  This  is  a  severe  disap- 
pointment, as  I  anticipated  the  happiness  of 
immediate  intercourse  with  them.  I  expect, 
however,  in  a  short  time  to  obtain  a  teacher,  by 
means  of  whose  assistance  I  hope  to  be  better 
qualified  to  afford  them  instruction." 

At  this  place  also  (the  city  of  Chittagong)  dif- 
ficulties assailed  the  missionaries.  No  sooner 
was  their  object  known  than  they  were  informed 
by  the  resident  magistrate,  that  without  an  order 


DIFFICULTIES    AT   CHITTAGONG.  101 

from  the  English  government,  they  would  not  be 
permitted  to  remain.  This  proceeding  on  the 
part  of  the  magistrate  was  dictated  evidently  by 
a  sense  of  duty  to  his  superiors ;  as  he  had,  since 
the  arrival  of  Mr.  Colman  in  the  territory,  treated 
him  with  much  politeness.  Difficulties  from  the 
East  India  Company,  similar  to  those  experienced 
by  Messrs.  Judson  and  Newell,  some  years  before, 
were  apprehended.  With  much  misgiving  as  to 
success,  efforts  were  now  made  by  Mr.  Colman 
for  permission  to  remain  in  this  remote  part  of 
the  Company's  dominions,  in  the  capacity  of  a 
Christian  teacher.  The  English  Missionaries  at 
Calcutta  aided  Mr.  Colman  in  this  with  much 
zeal — thus  adding  another  proof  of  their  truly  fra- 
ternal regard  for  their  American  brethren.  The 
magistrate  also  added  his  testimony  in  favor  of 
the  character  and  conduct  of  the  applicant.  The 
result  was,  the  order  was  obtained,  and  the  Gos- 
pel made  free  in  the  province.  There  had  been, 
however,  unavoidable  delays  with  regard  to  mis- 
sionary labor. 

Jan.  lY,  1821,  Mr.  Colman  writes,  "I  have  just 
returned  from  a  visit  to  the  Arracanese  converts. 
On  Saturday,  the  25th  of  December,  I  arrived 
at  a  small  village,  the  inhabitants  of  which,  I  had 
been  informed,  were  all  the  disciples  of  Christ. 
Pushing  our  boat  into  a  creek  and  walking  a  short 
9* 


102  COLMAN   AND   WHEELOCK. 

distance,  I  came  to  their  place  of  worship.  The 
roof  consists  of  thatched  leaves,  the  sides  are 
made  of  bamboo,  and  nature  has  supplied  it  with 
a  floor.  The  inhabitants  were  assembled  previous 
to  my  arrival,  and  in  a  short  time  divine  worship 
commenced.  The  head  man  of  the  village  ad- 
dressed the  throne  of  grace,  while  the  whole  as- 
sembly kneeled.  He  then  read  and  expounded  a 
part  of  the  fifth  chapter  of  Matthew.  I  was 
so  much  animated  by  the  scene  before  me  that, 
almost  involuntarily,  I  commenced  speaking.  I 
had  never  made  the  attempt  before,  and  soon  re- 
collecting my  incapacity,  asked  them  whether  they 
understood  me.  They  simultaneously  exclaimed, 
*^  we  understand.''^  I  now  proceeded  more  rapid- 
ly, often  repeating  my  interrogation,  and  was  as 
often  gratified  with  the  same  answer.  In  the  af- 
ternoon I  spoke  to  them  concerning  the  character 
of  God,  and  quite  exhausted  my  little  stock  of 
words.  The  evening  now  approached,  and  with 
feelings  of  regret,  I  bade  them  adieu.  We  rowed 
about  an  hour  and  came  to  Cox's  Bazaar.  At 
this  place  I  spent  the  Sabbath,  opening  the  scrip- 
tures to  the  disciples." 

Mr.  C.  in  the  next  paragraph  alludes  to  an 
evil,  probably  inseparable  from  the  history  of  na- 
tive converts,  when  for  any  cause  they  are  left 
destitute  of  intelligent  Christian  teachers. 


RESIDENCE    AT    COX's   BAZAAR.  103 

"  My  visit  to  these  disciples  would  have  aJBTorded 
unalloyed  pleasure,  had  I  not  found  them  very 
defective  in  their  views  of  Christianity.  They 
have  mixed  its  doctrines  with  many  of  their  hea- 
thenish notions,  and  have  thus  attempted  to  form 
an  harmonious  system  out  of  the  most  discordant 
ideas." 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Colraan  were  now  comfortably 
situated  at  Chittagong,  but  they  were  not  among 
Burmans.  The  Mahometan  and  Hindoo  popu- 
lation spoke  a  language  they  could  poorly  under- 
stand, and  much  as  these  people  needed  the  Gos- 
pel, to  them  it  could  not  be  communicated.  A 
severe  disappointment  had  been  experienced  in  not 
finding,  as  had  been  anticipated  in  this  place,  an 
Arracanese  population.  They  resolved  to  take  up 
their  abode  in  a  native  village  where  they  might 
bring  the  Gospel  of  Christ  into  contact  with  the 
hearts  of  the  people.  A  populous  place  (Cox's 
Bazaar)  was  selected  as  their  residence.  It  was 
regarded  by  the  English  as  an  unhealthy  spot, 
and  on  this  account,  to  render  an  abode  there  at 
all  practicable,  a  more  substantial  dwelling  must 
be  erected  than  the  huts  of  the  natives.  An  airy 
site  was  selected  and  a  bungalow  or  cottage  was 
built. 

"We  hope  soon,"  writes  Mrs.  Colman,  "to 
pitch  our  tent  in  the  midst  of  those  who  (with  a 


104  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

slight  difference  of  pronunciation)  speak  the  same 
language  that  we  have  been  studying.  There  we 
shall,  on  the  Sabbath,  be  surrounded  with  a  group 
of  heathens,  to  whom  Mr.  C.  can  make  known 
the  joyful  tidings  that  Christ  has  suffered  and 
died  to  save  guilty  sinners.  Pray  for  us,  my  sis- 
ter, particularly  on  the  Sabbath.  Pray  that  while 
we  are  situated  in  this  parched  land,  where  no 
cooling  streams  flow  from  earthly  sanctuaries  to 
refresh  our  souls,  we  may  be  supplied  from  the 
fountain  above." 

On  the  12th  of  November,  1821,  the  Missiona- 
ries arrived  at  Cox's  Bazaar,  and  commenced 
their  labors.  Opposition  soon  arose.  A  Bud- 
dhist priest,  not  a  resident  of  the  place,  but  a  visi- 
tor from  Ceylon,  on  hearing  of  the  arrival  of  a 
teacher  of  a  new  religion,  excited  numl)ers  of  the 
people,  who  surrounded  the  dwelling  of  the  Mis- 
sionaries for  the  purpose  of  destroying  their  goods 
and  expelling  them  from  the  town.  These  designs 
were,  however,  overruled,  and  ultimately  protec- 
tion found  from  the  magistracy.  Plans  for  the 
establishment  of  schools,  similar  to  those  of  Cal- 
cutta, were  formed  by  the  Missionaries,  and  one 
school  was  put  in  operation. 

Reference  to  their  labors  and  prospects  is  made 
in  a  letter  addressed  by  Mr.  Colman  to  Rev.  Dr 
Sharp. 


LETTER  TO    DR.    SHARP.  105 

"ApnllQ,  1822. — Since  our  arrival  I  have  had 
considerable  conversation  with  many  who  live 
around  us,  and  with  many  who  live  in  different 
parts  of  the  Burman  Empire.  The  imperfect 
views  of  Divine  truth  which  have  been  given,  and 
imperfect  they  must  be,  with  my  limited  know- 
ledge of  the  language,  will  not,  I  hope,  be  in 
vain.  From  some  we  have  been  favored  with 
several  visits,  and  one  or  two  afford  considerable 
evidence  of  being  renewed  by  Divine  grace.  In- 
quiry has  been  excited.  The  people  frequently 
meet  together,  and  have  warm  debates  respecting 
the  Christian  religion. 

I  had  scarcely  finished  the  preceding  sentence, 
when  a  man  came  in,  of  whose  conversion  we  en- 
tertain strong  hopes.  I  told  him  I  was  writing 
to  a  teacher  in  the  great  country  of  America. 
'  Tell  the  people  there,'  said  he,  '  that  among 
all  the  kindreds  that  dwell  upon  the  earth,  the 
Arracanese  are  the  darkest.  They  are  as  dark 
as  the  darkest  night  in  the  rainy  season.  Let  the 
disciples  of  Christ  therefore  be  diligent  in  praying 
and  laboring  for  their  salvation.' 

Is  not  this,  thought  I,  a  Macedonian  cry  from 
the  wilderness  ?  Here  are  two-thirds  of  a  nation, 
not  inconsiderable  in  point  of  numbers,  exiled  from 
their  country,  and  compelled  to  take  shelter  in 
one  governed  by  Christian  rulers.     This  move- 


106  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

ment  has  placed  them  within  reach  of  benevolent 
exertions.  May  we  not  hope  that  He  who  guides 
the  affairs  of  kingdoms  has  sent  them  from  the 
land  of  their  fathers,  that  they  may  become  ac- 
quainted with  the  Gospel  ?  Until  within  a  short 
time  past,  they  have  been  in  too  unsettled  a  state 
to  admit  of  the  residence  of  a  Missionary  among 
them.  But  now  they  have  built  for  themselves 
towns,  and  planted  vineyards.  The  field  of  labor 
among  them  is  open — open  to  American  Baptists. 
Shall  the  privilege  be  granted  them  in  vain  ?" 

A  solemn  interest  invests  this  letter  from  the 
consideration  that  it  was  probably  the  last  Mr.  Col- 
man  ever  wrote.  It  was  written  but  a  few  days 
before  he  was  attacked  with  the  fever  which  caused 
his  death.  A  part  of  a  letter  from  Mrs.  C.  is 
subjoined.  It  is  addressed  to  the  mother  of  the 
deceased. 

Letter  of  Mrs.   Colman. 

*'  Cox's  Bazaar,  July,  1S22. 

On  the  arrival  of  your  letter,  which  was  the 
eighth  of  June,  Mr.  C.  was  well,  and  enjoyed  an 
unusual  flow  of  spirits.  He  was  warmly  engaged 
in  the  cause  of  his  Divine  Master,  and  his  life,  to 
human  appearance,  was  never  more  necessary. 
But  just  at  this  interesting  period,  Infinite  Wis- 
dom saw  fit  to  remove  him.     On  the  28th  of  June, 


MR.    COLMAxSr's    LAST    SICKNESS.  107 

he  was  attacked  with  an  intermittent  fever.  He 
took  such  medicines  as  are  commonly  used  in 
such  cases.  They  produced  a  good  effect,  and 
such  were  the  favorable  symptoms  of  his  disease, 
and  so  slight  were  his  sufferings  during  the  first 
five  days,  that  neither  of  us  apprehended  the  least 
danger. 

On  the  sixth  day,  however,  (July  6th,)  he  sud- 
denly grew  worse,  and  early  in  the  evening  the 
fever  came  on  in  a  more  alarming  manner  tha.n  it 
had  done  at  any  preceding  time.  I  gave  him 
some  medicine  which  considerably  abated  its  vio- 
lence. He  became  quite  composed,  and  after 
speaking  a  few  words  to  me,  fell  into  a  gentle 
sleep.  I  remained  by  him  in  a  state  of  great 
anxiety,  but  still  thought  there  was  every  appear- 
ance of  his  having  a  comfortable  night,  and  I  de- 
termined, as  I  saw  his  disorder  increasing  so  fast, 
that  should  we  both  be  spared  till  the  next  day, 
I  would  remove  with  him  to  Chittagong,  hoping 
that  a  change  of  air  might  be  beneficial.  But, 
alas  !  he  was  not  permitted  to  see  the  light  of  an- 
other sun.  After  remaining  composed  for  a  short 
time,  I  had  the  disappointment  to  perceive  that 
he  grew  extremely  restless.  I  awoke  him,  and 
O !  what  agony  of  mind  I  felt,  when  I  found  that 
delirium  had  made  its  approach  !  It  was  then 
about  eleven  o'clock.     After  this,  the  fever  in- 


COLMAN   AND  TVHEELOCK.  108 

creased  in  a  rapid  and  violent  manner,  and  made 
ineffectual  every  effort  which  I  made  to  save  a 
life  50  dear  to  me.  His  sufferings  were  very  ex- 
treme towards  the  close,  when  it  pleased  God  to 
lessen  their  severity.  Although  unable  to  speak, 
yet  he  seemed  entirely  delivered  from  pain,  and 
breathed  his  last  without  a  groan  or  a  struggle." 
Thus  early  closed  (July  6,  1822,)  the  life  and 
labors  of  the  first  American  missionary  to  the 
Arracanese.  How  apt,  in  this  connection,  seem 
the  words  of  one,*  afterwards  herself,  for  many 
years,  a  beloved  and  honored  missionary  : 

*•  Mourn,  daughters  of  Arracan,  mourn  ! 

The  raj's  of  that  star,  clear  and  bright, 
Which  so  lately  on  Chittagong  shone. 

Are  shrouded  in  black  clouds  of  night, 
For  Celman  is  gone  !" 

♦  Mrs.  Sarah  B.  Judson. 


CHAPTER  YII. 

The  two  survivors — Mrs.  Colman — Mrs.  Wheeloek — Arri- 
val at  Calcutta — Letters  home — Native  schools  of  India- 
Marriage  of  Mrs.  W. — Residence  in  the  east — Interest  in 
Missions — Death  of  JVIr.  Jones — Pteturn  voyage — Death — 
Conclusion. 

Here  we  might  bring  this  brief  nan-ative  to  a 
close.  We  are,  however,  sure  that  our  readers 
will  inquire  concerning  the  future  fate  of  the  two, 
now  early  widowed,  who  shared  with  Colman  and 
Wheeloek  in  their  heart  dedication  to  the  work, 
and  followed  them  in  their  wanderings.  Every 
vicissitude,  by  land  and  sea,  had  been  shared  by 
the  companions  of  the  missionaries  till  the  hour 
of  death — the  one  finding  his  grave  in  "  the  deep, 
deep  sea,"  the  other  amid  the  green  hills  of  Chit- 
tagong. 

With  the  history  of  Colman  and  Wheeloek,  that 
of  their  devoted  companions  has  been  necessarily 
blended.  Of  one  of  these  survivors  we  in  this 
chapter  endeavor  briefly  to  trace  the  course  fill 
the  hour  of  her  death.  The  other  still  lives. 
10  (109) 


110  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

Mrs.  Colman,  after  her  husband's  death,  re- 
turned to  Calcutta.  She  was  subsequently  mar- 
ried to  Rev.  Amos  Sutton,  and  became  an  ho- 
nored and  useful  laborer  in  the  Orissa  Mission. 

Mrs.  Sutton  has  twice  revisited  her  native 
country,  having  sailed  the  last  time  for  India  as 
lately  as  1850.  So  long  a  life,  so  faithfully  spent 
in  the  service  of  missions,  is  rare.  Many  who 
started  in  the  race  since  Mrs.  S.,  have  lain  down, 
even  in  their  armor,  and  died.  She  continues  still 
to  labor  in  the  service  of  Christ,  and  that  too,  in 
a  most  interesting  field,  though  not  the  one  of 
her  first  selection.  We  but  express  the  feeling 
of  many  hearts  in  saying,  may  it  be  yet  many 
years  before  these  labors  shall  cease,  and  her 
name  also,  "  a  gathered  flower,"  be  enshrined  on 
some  page  with  those  who  have  gone  before. 

Mrs.  Wheelock,  soon  after  the  death  of  her 
husband,  in  1819,  arrived  in  Calcutta.  She  was 
received  with  much  love  by  the  missionaries  of 
that  place,  who  were  solicitous,  by  every  means 
in  their  power,  to  befriend  and  console.  At  the 
dwelling  of  Messrs.  Lawson  and  Pearce  she 
found  a  home.  With  mournful  pleasure  she  re- 
cords the  Christian  kindness,  the  fraternal  and 
,sisterly  affection,  that  made  her  once  more  a 
member  of  a  mission  family. 

Letters  written  at  this  period  are  before  us. 


LETTER   OF    MRS.    WHEELOCK.  Ill 

One  of  the  earliest  of  these  is  addressed  to  Rev. 
Dr.  Staughton  of  Philadelphia,  the  Secretary  of 
the  Missionary  Board,  requesting  the  decision  of 
that  body  with  regard  to  her  future  course.  The 
residence  of  an  unmarried  female  missionary 
among  the  Burmese  would  at  that  time  have 
been  unprecedented,  and  Mrs.  Wheelock  awaited 
the  decision  of  the  Board. 

From  a  letter,  bearing  date,  Calcutta,  March 
*rth,  1820,  we  make  some  extracts.  It  is  addressed 
to  the  mother  of  Mr.  Wheelock.  After  acknow- 
ledging the  receipt  of  several  letters  addressed  to 
the  deceased,  she  proceeds  : 

Letter  of  Mrs.  Wheelock. 

"  Like  my  other  letters  these  have  opened,  and 
caused  to  bleed  with  fresh  anguish,  the  wound 
which  has  been  rent  in  my  heart.  I  dread  to 
read  letters  directed  to  my  dear  Edward ;  they 
awaken  all  the  tenderness  I  possess,  and  lead  me 
with  a  melancholy  dejection  to  dwell  upon  the 
past ;  yet  I  could  not  but  receive  these  letters. 
They  are  kind  tokens  of  remembrance  from  his 
and  my  friends,  for  which  I  trust  I  am  very 
thankful. 

Mr.  Ropes  called  here  to-day  to  inform  us  that 
his  vessel  will  leave  Calcutta  for  Boston  in  a  few 
weeks.     By  this  opportunity  I  want  to  send  you 


112  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

a  long  letter,  and  I  wish  I  had  any  thing  of  a 
pleasing  nature  to  communicate,  that  would  in- 
terest my  much-loved  mother's  heart.  I  have 
nothing  at  present  particularly  interesting  to 
communicate,  except,  indeed,  that  I  think  the 
goodness  of  God  in  restoring  to  me,  in  a  great 
measure,  the  flow  of  spirits  I  formerly  enjoyed  is 
cause  for  great  thankfulness,  and  should  be  men- 
tioned by  me  with  humble  gratitude  and  praise. 

My  various  trials  have,  I  trust,  had  a  sanctified 
effect ;  and,  my  dear  mother,  I  can  now  say,  I 
believe  that  God  has  led  me  in  a  right  path.  I 
have  to  regret  that  I  have  so  long  suffered  my 
spirits  to  be  depressed,  and  my  heart  to  despond. 
I  believe  that  I  should  never  have  been  so  ex- 
ceedingly depressed  and  borne  down  as  I  have 
been,  had  I  but  cast  my  burden  more  on  God. 
He  is  ever  ready  to  hear  the  cries  and  complaints 
of  his  children,  and  to  impart  to  them  all  needful 
strength.  Every  disappointment  and  trial,  every 
bereavement,  and  affliction,  that  they  are  exer- 
cised with,  is  from  his  covenant  love,  and  is 
planned  and  arranged  by  his  infinite  wisdom  for 
their  good. 

These  truths  often  rest  upon  my  mind,  but 
they  do  not  always  produce  the  happy  effects 
that  they  ought.  It  is  only  when  they  are  ap- 
plied with  divine  energy,  that  I  enjoy  a  calm  and 


RESIGNATION    AND    JOY.  113 

composed  frame.  And  0  I  how  precious  those 
moments  are,  when  heavenly  resignation  takes 
possession  of  the  heart ! 

Of  late,  one  passage  of  scripture  has  been  al- 
most constantly  in  my  mind.  It  is  this  :  *  Hal- 
lelujah !  the  Lord  God  Omnipotent  reigneth.' 
I  have  experienced  more  delight  and  satisfaction, 
have  derived  more  comfort,  and  more  lasting  be- 
nefit in  meditating  upon  it,  than  I  can  possibly 
express.  I  can  indeed  rejoice  that  the  reins  of 
government  are  with  God  alone.  I  have  been  so 
filled  with  a  consciousness  of  his  sovereignty, 
his  wisdom,  and  his  love  and  goodness  to  me, 
that  I  cannot  repine  at  any  of  his  dealings  with 
me.  His  own  great  and  Holy  name  will  be  glo- 
rified by  them,  perhaps  in  a  way  that  I  least  ex- 
pect. 0  !  then,  I  would  resign  myself  and  my 
all  into  his  hands,  and  await  the  fulfillment  of  his 
will.  Yes  !  and  I  will  praise  the  Lord  for  the 
bestowment  of  resignation  to  his  will,  which  I 
have  frequently  enjoyed,  and  which  I  now  enjoy. 
I  will  praise  him  for  that  grace,  which  has  en- 
abled me  to  bear  up  under  trials,  and  for  that 
faith,  which  directs  my  view  to  a  peaceful  home 
beyond  the  grave. 

In  heaven,  my  dear  mother,  we  shall  never 
murmur  that  we  were  exercised  with  too  many 
trials  while  inhabitants  of  this  vale  of  tears.  — 
10* 


114  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

*  0  happy  day  that  brings  the  pilgrim  home  !'  I 
could  wish  the  days  of  separation  shortened  that 
I  might  be  with  our  heavenly  Father ;  and  meet 
in  that  blessed  world,  where  pleasures  never  die, 
his  dear  saints,  and  my  own  dear  bosom  friend, 
who  has  left  me  in  this  dark  maze  of  sin  to 
mourn  his  loss,  and  to  pursue  my  course  upward 
without  his  kind  aid.  Lamented  saint  I  I  did 
not  sufficiently  appreciate  thy  worth,  and  thy 
benignant  smiles  while  I  enjoyed  thy  endearing 
company.  0  !  could  I  once  more  embrace  thee  ! 
But  no.  The  example  of  patience  and  resigna- 
tion which  thou  hast  left,  the  remembrance  of 
that  grace,  which  supported  thee  through  the 
languishing  hours  of  sickness,  the  undissembled 
piety,  and  unshaken  faith  in  God  which  thou  didst 
possess,  and  which  shone  *  like  a  halo  around  thy 
brow,'  thy  last  sufferings  and  agonies,  when  de- 
prived of  the  greatest  faculty  with  which  man  is 
endowed,  will  forever  remain  impressed  in  inde- 
lible characters  upon  my  heart.  But  I  can  re- 
joice that  thou  hast  now  passed  Jordan's  cold 
waves,  that  thou  art  seated  near  our  blessed  Sa- 
viour's side,  never  again  to  be  exercised  with 
external  or  internal  trials,  nor  to  pillow  again  thy 
head  upon  the  thorny  bed  of  disease. 

Forgive   me,    dear    mother,    this    digression. 
When  I  began  this  letter  I  did  not  intend  to  men- 


NEED    OF    MORE    MISSIONARIES.  115 

tion  our  dear  Edward's  name,  nor  to  write  any 
sentence  that  would  again  present  the  much- 
loved  object  to  your  recollection.  There  is  a 
melancholy  pleasure,  known  only  to  a  widowed 
heart,  in  calling  to  remembrance  the  virtues,  the 
piety,  the  Christian  graces,  which  departed  friends 
possessed  ;  but  I  hope  that  I  have  not  wounded 
you  by  giving  vent  to  my  feelings. 

March  24. — A  few  days  since  we  had  the  plea- 
sure of  welcoming  to  these  heathen  shores  two 
Independent  English  Missionaries,  who  are  to 
join  others  already  here,  in  their  labors  of  love  for 
the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  nations.  They  indeed 
seem  to  come  to  us  in  the  fullness  of  the  blessing 
of  the  gospel  of  Christ.  Long  may  their  lives 
be  spared  to  occupy  spheres  of  usefulness,  and  to 
enlighten  the  benighted  minds  of  the  degraded 
and  superstitious  idolators  of  this  country.  Their 
labors  are  much  needed  here,  and  we  rejoice  that 
they  have  come.  We  could  welcome  to  this 
single  spot  (Calcutta)  a  hundred  more." 

The  next  letter  is  addressed  by  Mrs.  Wheelock 
to  her  sister.  This  endeared  relative  was  even 
as  herself,  a  mourner.  ^N'ewly  wedded,  she  had 
been  called  to  lay  her  husband  suddenly  in  the 
tomb,  exchanging  her  bridal  adorniugs  for  a 
widow's  weeds. 


116  colman  and  wheelock. 

Letter  of  Mrs.  Wheelock  to  her  Sister. 

Calcutta,  Sept.  14th,  1820. 

*'  My  very  dear  Sister, 

When  I  first  took  up  my  pen  on  the  6th 
instant  to  answer  your  very  kind  and  affectionate 
letter,  want  of  time  did  not  allow  me  to  write  you 
half  that  I  wished  to  communicate.  I  can  hardly 
realize  your  situation,  though  I  know  that  you 
are  indeed  a  widow ;  that  your  fond  hopes  of 
happiness  and  enjoyment  with  your  dearest  friend 
are  cut  off.  But  how  sudden  I  His  sun  set  ere 
it  reached  its  meridian.  What  shall  I  say  that 
will  have  a  tendency  to  comfort  your  mind  under 
this  bereavement  I  I  know  that  a  heart  thus 
wounded,  must  be  indulged  in  the  luxury  of 
grief;  hut  He  who  wounds  can  heal.  I  know, 
my  dear  sister,  that  you  can  derive  consolation 
only  from  God.  Go  then  to  him,  and  cast  your 
sorrows  at  his  feet.  You  are  allowed  to  grieve, 
though  not  to  murmur  before  him ;  and  if  God 
is  indeed  your  God,  you  will  feel  more  than  ever 
to  cleave  to  Him. 

If,  my  dear  sister,  your  affliction  have  the 
happy  effect  of  enlivening  your  faith,  fixing  your 
hope,  purifying  your  affections,  and  rendering 
your  desires  more  holy  and  heavenly,  you  will 
have  cause  to  number  it  among  your  choicest 


MR.    WHEELOCK   TO    HER    SISTER.  117 

blessings.  0,  let  us  not  repine  at  our  afflictions  I 
They  are  measured  to  us  by  Infinite  Love,  and  we 
have  no  more  given  us  than  is  necessary  to  wean 
us  from  this  sinful,  dying  world,  and  fit  us  for 
Heaven.  It  was  right  that  our  dearest  friends 
should  be  removed  from  us.  God  undoubtedly  saw 
that  they  sometimes  held  too  large  a  place  in  our 
hearts,  and  that  in  possession  of  them  and  their 
smiles,  we  were  too  often  contented  without  His 
life-giving  presence  and  the  light  of  His  recon- 
ciled countenance. 

I  recollect  a  few  months  before  Mr.  Wheelock's 
death,  when  my  mind  was  beclouded,  I  said  to 
him,  '  0  !  that  I  had  an  assurance  in  my  own 
soul,  that  I  love  my  Redeemer  as  surely  as  that  I 
love  you,  I  should  then  never  be  unhappy,  and 
Heaven  and  all  its  bliss  would  be  mine  forever !' 
He  tenderly  reproved  me,  prayed  with  me,  and 
expressed  his  fears  that  we  should  be  separated 
if  we  gave  more  of  our  affections  to  each  other 
than  to  God.     I  can  never  forget  this. 

The  removal  of  our  friends  shows  us  where  to 
look  for  permanent  happiness,  and  teaches  us  the 
importance  of  being  in  readiness  for  the  hour  of 
our  own  dissolution.  Happy  indeed  should  we 
be,  if,  with  an  old  saint,  who  was  deeply  afflicted, 
we  could  say,  '  whatever  I  possessed  I  enjoyed 


118  COLMAN    AXD    WHEFLOCK. 

God  in  it  all,  and  now  that  all  I  had  is  removed, 
I  enjoy  all  in  God!'" 

The  next  is  extracted  from  a  letter  to  the 
mother  of  Mr.  Wheelock.  As  will  be  perceived, 
it  has  reference  to  the  sailors,  whose  conversion 
on  the  outward  voyage  has  been  already  related. 

Mrs.  Wheelock  to  her  Mother-in-Law. 

*'  Sister  E 's  letter  to  her  late  dear  brother, 

Dr.  Baldwin's,  and  the  letters  from  the  sailors 
belonging  to  the  Independence,  were  almost  too 
much  for  me.  My  spirit  nearly  fainted  under  a 
deep  sense  of  the  Divine  goodness.  Has  God 
indeed  conducted  them  to  the  bosom  of  our  much- 
loved  friends  to  relate  his  dealings  with  them,  his 
grace  manifested  to  their  souls  ?  Are  any  of 
them  the  epistles  of  our  deceased  Edward? 
Epistles  not  written  with  ink  and  paper,  but  by 
the  Spirit  of  the  living  God  ?  0  yes  I  To  Him, 
whose  salvation  has  been  extended  to  them  be 
all  the  praise.  Was  your  heart  affected,  my  dear 
mother,  at  seeing  these  pious  sailors,  and  hearing 
them  converse  ?  Did  tears  of  joy  flow  down 
your  cheeks  when  you  received  our  first  commu- 
nications ?  Imagination  has  often  brought  you 
near,  and  I  have  rejoiced  and  wept  with  you. 

Ah  !  how  will  the  pious  mother's  heart  be 
wrung  with  anguish  when  she  receives  the  long 


TO    HER   MOTHER-IN-LAW.  119 

account  of  her  Edward's  sufferings  and  melan- 
choly death.  But  I  know  that  God  is  able  to 
support  you  under  this  bereavement,  as  he  has 
me.  To  Him  I  often  commit  you.  He  has  an 
undisputed  right  to  dispose  of  all  his  creatures 
as  he  pleases.  I  bow  in  submission  to  his  right- 
eous will.  I  feel  my  affections  loosed  from  earth, 
and  more  intently  fixed  on  divine  things  than 
they  ever  were  before. 

I  hope  that  all  my  dear  Edward's  friends  will 
write  to  me  as  often  as  if  he  was  still  living.  I 
sometimes  fear  that  they  will  not.  But  no  I  For 
his  dear  sake  they  will  not  forget  me,  though 
unworthy  of  their  kind  regards  and  attentions. 
I  shall  ever  esteem  a  correspondence  with  any  of 
them  a  great  privilege." 

During  the  sojourn  of  Mrs.  Wheelock  with  the 
missionaries  in  Calcutta,  she  became  deeply  in- 
terested in  the  native  schools.  Words  occa- 
sionally fall  from  her  pen,  expressive  of  her  desire 
to  spend  her  days  in  laboring  in  this  sphere.  The 
difficulties  in  the  way  of  her  residence  in  Kan- 
goon  did  not  exist  here. 

Her  heart  was  often  deeply  touched  at  behold- 
ing the  absurdities  and  superstitions  of  the  Hin- 
doos. Of  all  religions  that  have  place  in  human 
regard,  theirs  may  be  emphatically  called  the 
most  cruel.     Humanity  feels   itself  outraged  at 


1(20  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

the  indifference  so  long  manifested  by  Europeans 
in  India  on  this  subject.*  A  single  extract  from 
the  correspondence  of  Mrs.  Wheelock  reveals 
her  employments  and  views.  It  is  taken  from  a 
letter  addressed  to  her  sister,  dated  July  5th, 
1820. 

To  HER  Sister. 

"  I  am  still  with  these  excellent  friends,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Lawson,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pearce.  My 
time  has  been  much  occupied  in  school.  The 
employment  is  pleasant  and  profitable  to  me.  It 
leaves  me  no  time  to  brood  over  my  trials.  But 
I  cease  not  to  remember  the  chastenings  of  my 
heavenly  Father  ;  my  soul  is  humbled  within  me 
when  I  think  that  my  sins  have  provoked  him  to 
anger  ;  and  that  they  are  the  procuring  cause  of 
all  the  trials  of  life.  I  can  say  it  is  good  for  me 
to  be  afflicted. 

I  have  been  much  interested  of  late  in  what  is 
doing  for  the  education  of  Bengalee  female  chil- 
dren. A  society,  called  the  '  Female  Juvenile 
Society,  for  the  establishment  and  support  of 
Bengalee  Female  Schools,'  has  been  formed." 

Subsequent  events  concurred  to  fix  the  resi- 
dence of  Mrs.  Wheelock  in  India. 

*  A  better  state  of  feeling  is  now  in  progress,  and  the  go- 
vernment is  now  active  in  suppressing  the  evils  in  question. 


MARRIAGE    TO   MR.    JONES.  12l 

Her  return  to  Calcutta  under  circumstances  so 
affecting  could  not  but  enlist  in  her  behalf  the 
sympathies  of  others  as  well  as  the  members  of 
the  mission  family.  Young,  lovely,  a  stranger, 
and  in  deep,  heart-breaking  sorrow,  she  could 
not  fail  to  find  that  many  were  interested  in  her 
welfare.  Among  these  was  one,  an  English  resi- 
dent in  the  service  of  the  East  India  Company, 
whose  interest  in  her  fate  was  more  than  the  dic- 
tate of  friendship.  But  the  offer  of  his  hand  was 
declined.  The  widowed  heart  turned  in  grief 
from  another  love. 

Some  time  after  this,  Mrs.  W.  learned  that,  if 
it  was  her  -wish  to  return  to  her  native  land,  an 
individual  stood  ready  to  meet  the  expenses  of 
her  voyage.  This  was  found  to  be  the  same  per- 
son who  had  sought  her  hand.  Permission  to  aid 
her  return  home,  provided  such  was  her  desire, 
was  asked  with  that  delicacy  which  seemed  rather 
to  crave  a  privilege  than  to  confer  a  favor. 

A  regard  so  singularly  disinterested  could  not 
but  touch  the  heart  of  a  stranger.  That  this  act 
was  but  the  index  to  a  noble  and  excellent  cha- 
racter, she  became  after  some  time  fully  aware. 

In  December,  1820,  she  was  married  to  Mr. 
David  Jones.  By  this  event  the  color  of  her 
life  was  changed.  Seldom,  in  the  annals  of  mis- 
sionary life  do  we  find  the  Christian  laborer  trans- 
11 


122  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

fenced  from  its  heart-wearing  toils,  amid  the  de- 
gradations of  idolators,  to  a  home  of  wealth  and 
elegance  and  the  amenities  of  polished  life.  Yet 
so,  in  the  present  instance,  it  was. 

In  the  subsequent  history  of  Mrs.  Jones,  we 
find  a  pleasing  instance  of  one  retaining,  under 
these  changed  aspects  of  life,  the  same  warmth 
and  ardor  of  Christian  zeal  that  distinguished  her 
earlier  days.  Letters  from  Calcutta  at  various 
periods,  sufficiently  evince  this.  In  the  native 
schools  of  India,  employment  and  benevolent  in- 
terest for  these  poor  children,  had  the  effect  to 
calm  the  fever  of  the  soul  in  its  first  great  grief. 
In  these  schools,  while  she  lived,  she  never  lost 
her  interest.  In  the  "  Society  for  the  establish- 
ment and  support  of  Bengalee  Female  Schools," 
she  held  an  office  until  her  death.  In  every  eff'ort 
for  the  good  of  the  Hindoos,  she  delighted  to  co- 
operate. To  strengthen  the  weak  faith  of  the 
native  convert,  and  lead  the  new-born  soul  to 
green  pastures  and  still  waters,  was  a  privilege 
she  always  loved. 

A  brief  record  of  her  labors  which  lies  before 
us,  says : — 

"  In  the  church  to  which  she  belonged,  she 
held  a  useful  station.  She  was  one  of  the  two 
appointed  to  converse  with  the  native  female  con- 
verts, to  hear  their  experiences,  to  assist  at  their 


MARRIAGE    TO    MR.    JOXES.  123 

baptisms,  to  inquire  into  their  circumstances,  to 
give  them  counsel  and  instruction,  and  to  visit 
and  pray  with  them  in  affliction.  These  duties 
she  faithfully  performed." 

The  Missionary  character  hitherto  publicly  borne 
by  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  has  induced  us  to 
follow  the  traces  of  her  continued  devotion  to  the 
cause  which  she  had  formerly  espoused.  Her 
feelings  towards  it  were  modified  only  by  circum- 
stances and  duties.  Pleasant  and  refreshing  is 
this  view  of  her  character,  and  beautifully  and 
completely  harmonious.  Her  early  and  overflow- 
ing Missionary  zeal  is  thus  fully  proved,  by  the 
severest  of  all  tests,  to  have  been  no  transient  im- 
pulse, no  evanescent  flame.  We  seek  her  now, 
however,  in  her  allotted  sphere  of  usefulness,  her 
own  East  Indian  home. 

Mr.  Jones  had  been  previously  married,  and 
there  remained  of  this  first  union,  three  children. 
These  orphaned  ones  Mrs.  J.  took  straight  to  her 
heart. 

In  1822  she  writes  : — 

"  I  have  a  precious  gift  and  a  lovely  charge  in 
Mr.  Jones'  little  girl,  about  five  years  old.  She 
has  been  with  her  aunt  for  two  years  ;  but  now  I 
have  her  at  home,  and  can  call  her  my  own  sweet 
child.  She  is  a  very  affectionate  little  creature. 
I  cannot  tell  you  how  much  I  love  her.     Sure,  I 


124  COLMAN    AXD    WHEELOCK. 

tbtink  while  my  life  is  spared,  slie  will  never  know 
the  want  of  her  own  loved  mother." 

In  a  mixed  state  of  society  like  that  of  India 
under  the  English  dominion,  where  the  houses  of 
wealthy  residents  are  necessarily  filled  with  native 
servants,  the  utmost  watchfulness  is  necessary 
over  children  whose  parents  have  any  foresight 
with  regard  to  their  future.  In  a  constant  giving 
of  herself  to  this  work,  Mrs.  Jones  found  ample 
employment  for  the  energies  of  her  active  mind 
and  finely  tuned  affections.  To  preserve  these 
precious  little  ones  from  the  contaminations  with 
which  they  were  surrounded,  and  to  form  their 
minds  to  virtue  and  piety,  was  a  work  in  which 
she  took  heartfelt  pleasure.  A  solace  and  a  rich 
reward  she  found  in  the  filial  affection  which  was 
awarded  her.  One  still  lives,  in  that  far  off  In- 
dian clime,  having  returned  to  the  land  of  his 
early  childhood,  whose  heart,  we  are  sure,  will  re- 
spond to  the  sentiments  recorded  upon  this  page. 

The  circumstances  of  life  in  which  Mrs.  Jones 
was  placed  gave  her  much  to  enjoy.  That  she 
felt  and  realized  this,  is  evident  from  expressions 
in  her  letters.  "  I  hope,"  she  says,  "  that  I  shall 
be  watchful  over  my  own  heart,  and  rightly  ap- 
preciate my  blessings."  At  another  time,  she 
says,  "  I  have  all  I  would  or  can  reasonably  wish 
for  in  this  world.     0,  for  a  thankful  heart  and 


CHEERFUL   DEVOTEDNESS.  125 

a  disposition  to  improve  them  all.  I  hope  I  know, 
indeed,  I  am  sure  I  know,  what  it  is  at  times  to 
enjoy  God  in  all  my  mercies — but  my  forgetful 
heart — how  apt,  alas  I  is  it  to  rove." 

We  are  often  told  of  the  enervating  effects  of  a 
tropical  clime  upon  natives  of  colder  countries. 
The  apathy  into  which  many,  particularly  females, 
sink  after  a  residence  of  years  beneath  a  hot  sun 
upon  a  humid  soil,  finds  a  singular  contrast  in  a 
sentence  taken  from  a  letter  written  in  1826,  more 
than  seven  years  after  her  first  arrival  in  India. 
It  breathes  a  strong  and  healthy  spirit  of  cheer- 
fulness. 

''  Myself  and  dear  family  are  now  pretty  well. 
Mr.  Jones'  health  is  quite  established  again,  and 
for  the  present,  he  has  given  up  the  thoughts  of 
going  to  England.  My  family  cares  are  very 
numerous,  having  at  home  four  of  Mr.  Jones' 
brother's  children,  which  makes  ours  a  large 
family.  But,  while  I  can  retain  health,  I  much 
prefer  having  a  great  deal  to  do,  rather  than  have 
nothing  to  employ  my  time."  In  the  present 
case,  however,  she  pleasantly  intimates  that  it  is 
possible  to  have  ^^  more  than  enough  to  do." 
Notwithstanding  the  pressure  of  domestic  duty, 
she  will,  ''by  no  means,  allow  an  opportunity  to 
send  to  Boston  to  slip,  without  writing  at  least  a 
few  lines." 

11* 


126  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

Nor  ought  we  to  omit  to  record  the  hospitality 
that  marked  this  household.  The  Christian  and 
the  Missionary  found  there  always  a  welcome  and 
sympathy. 

In  1824,  Mrs.  Jones  writes  to  Eev.  Dr.  Bald- 
win, a  letter  of  affectionate  regrets  that  she  was 
deprived  of  the  privilege  of  entertaining  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Wade,  on  their  arrival  at  Calcutta  on  their 
way  to  Burmah,  to  commence  their  Missionary 
life.     A  part  of  this  letter  we  extract. 

Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin. 

"  Dear  and  much  respected  Pastor, 

I  had  not  the  gratification  and  pleasure  of 
seeing  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wade  while  they  were  in 
Calcutta.  On  account  of  my  own  health  and  that 
of  our  little  Emily,  I  was  induced  to  accompany 
Mr.  Jones  on  a  visit  to  the  Sand  Heads  for  three 
months,  and  it  was  at  this  time  of  absence  from 
home,  that  they  arrived  in  India.  I  should  have 
been  delighted  to  have  had  them  for  guests,  had 
I  been  at  home.  Mrs.  Wade  must,  I  think,  be  a 
lovely  woman,  or  persons  would  not  have  been  so 
generally  pleased  with  her.  I  trust  they  will 
both  live  to  be  useful  to  the  benighted  Bur- 
mans." 

Since  we  have  begun  to  pen  these  pages,  recol- 
lections come  to  us  from  an  East  India  Captain, 


FRIENDLY    SYMPATHY.  127 

who,  after  so  long  a  time,  at  the  mention  of  the 
names  of  these  beloved  friends,  recalls  their  kind- 
ness, and  the  liome  feeling  with  which,  when  in 
that  foreign  clime,  he  was  wont  to  repair  to  the 
residence  of  Mr.  Jones.  Again  and  again,  were 
these  welcome  gnests  made,  on  their  return  to  the 
United  States,  the  bearers  of  mementoes  of  love 
to  friends  in  Boston.  And  now  an  epistle  is  in 
our  hands  intended  for  no  eye  save  her's  to  whom 
it  is  addressed.  A  sacred  relic  it  is,  and  reflecting 
new  and  gentle  tints  of  beauty  upon  the  charac- 
ter we  would  fain  portray. 

It  had  come  to  the  knowledge  of  Mrs.  Jones, 
that  an  endeared  friend  of  early  youth,  had,  in 
the  vicissitudes  of  a  changing  life,  fallen  into 
poverty,  made  more  bitter  by  other  and  grievous 
afflictions.  She  addresses  to  this  child  of  sorrow 
a  letter  breathing  the  kindest  sympathy.  At  its 
close,  she  says  : — 

''  Tell  me  what  I  can  do  for  your  comfort. 
What  shall  I,  what  can  I  do  ?  My  heart  and  hands 
are  ready  to  assist  you  as  far  as  means  are  good. 
What  sum  of  money,  remitted  to  you,  will  render 
your  situation  comfortable  ?  It  is  in  my  power,  and 
my  dear  Mr.  Jones  is  quite  willing  that  I  should 
do  something  in  this  way,  for  you.     When   Mr. 

. leaves  this  place  for  Boston,  I  hope  to  put 

a  small  sum  in  his  hands  for  you.     I  hope  you 


128  COLMAN    AND    WHEELOCK. 

will  keep  nothing,  as  it  regards  your  situation, 
from  me." 

This  was  written  in  1825,  and  subsequently  we 
find  traces  of  repeated  and  generous  remittances 
to  the  same  afflicted  friend.  Hallowed  deposits 
of  love  are  these  letters  ;  but  more  of  their  con- 
tents we  cannot  unveil. 

Wherever  a  light  shines  beauteously  on  earth, 
is  not  its  shadow  near  ?  However  subject  to  re- 
verse are  all  earthly  allotments,  are  they  not 
doubly  so  to  the  exiles  of  Indian  climes  ?  Upon 
the  life  of  Mrs.  Jones  a  change  and  a  shadow  fell. 
Her  noble-hearted  husband  was  summoned  away. 
His  life  and  death  gave  evidence  of  preparation 
for  such  a  change.  After  enumerating,  when 
about  to  depart,  the  instances  of  the  goodness  of 
God  through  the  scenes  of  an  eventful  life,  par- 
ticularizing some  remarkable  events  in  which  it 
had  been  manifested,  he  adds,  "  God  is  supremely 
good  in  death.'''' 

Her  feelings  in  view  of  this  second  bereavement 
she  thus  expresses. 

**  Sept.  1830 — I  have  recently  been  called  to 
mourn  the  loss  of  my  dear  husband.  Many  have 
been  the  strokes  of  my  Heavenly  Father's  hand. 
But  doubtless  they  were  all  needful.  He  gave, 
and  he  has  taken  away,  and  blessed  be  his  name. 
Though  nature  feels  her  loss,  and  mourus  over  the 


FAILURE    OF   HEALTH.  129 

severed  ties,  I  cannot  repine  at  the  Divine  deal- 
ings— cannot  think  it  nnjust  or  unkind  in  God  to 
remove  mj  dearest  earthly  friend,  a  little  before 
myself,  to  enjoy  his  smiles,  and  the  society  of  holy, 
happy  spirits." 

The  health  of  Mrs.  Jones  had  become  much 
impaired.  She  had  been  visited  repeatedly  with 
severe  sickness,  and  had  long  since  given  up  the 
hope  of  any  more  enjoying  entire  health.  After 
the  death  of  her  husband,  she  purposed  an  imme- 
diate voyage,  with  the  children,  to  the  United 
States.  After  mentioning  her  intention  of  re- 
turning to  her  native  land  for  her  health,  she  ob- 
serves, "I  sometimes  fear  such  happiness  will 
not  be  mine  to  enjoy,  on  account  of  my  long  and 
troublesome  cough.  If  it  be  my  Heavenly 
Father's  will  that  I  go  home,  I  can  rejoice  in  it ; 
if  it  be  his  will  for  me  to  remain  and  die  here ;  I 
can  say,  '  It  is  well ;'  '  thy  will  be  done.' " 

Again,  a  few  days  previous  to  her  embarka- 
tion, she  writes : 

"  I  know  in  whom  I  have  believed,  in  whom  I 
do  believe,  and  can,  and  do,  cheerfully  and  joy- 
fully commit  the  keeping  of  my  soul,  for  time  and 
for  eternity,  into  his  gracious  hand.  I  am  safe 
and  happy  in  his  love — a  love  which  mortals  can 
never  fathom,  and  which  renders  me  happy  be- 
yond description.  0,  if  it  were  not  for  the  con- 
solations  of  the    Gospel,  I  should   sink.     This 


130  COLMAN   AND    WHEELOCK. 

supports  me.  I  have  known  something  of  its 
value  for  many  years,  but  never  so  much  as  in 
seasons  of  disappointments,  bereavements  and 
bodily  sufferings.  It  now  supports  me  in  view 
of  death,  the  king  of  terrors. 

'Jesus,  thy  blood  and  righteousness 
My  beauty  are,  my  glorious  dress.' 

Yes,  to  be  owned  and  accepted  by  the  Judge  I 
In  view  of  entering  soon  upon  eternal  blessedness, 
I  confess  it  sometimes  seems  as  if  I  could  stay 
here  no  longer.  A  barren  wilderness  the  world 
appears.  I  wonder  how  it  is  that  I  have  loved 
life  so  well  and  so  long." 

As  will  have  been  seen,-  by  the  extracts,  her 
health  on  leaving  India  was  very  low.  She  was  in 
fact  suffering  under  a  seated  pulmonary  com- 
plaint. She  embarked  for  America  on  board  the 
ship  Corvo,  Feb.  ITth,  1831. 

The  last  words  which  she  penned  were  found, 
after  death,  under  her  pillow.  They  are  addressed 
to  her  sister,  and  the  letter  begun  was  never 
finished. 

^' April  22,  1831.— I  feel  like  what  I  believe  I 
am,  a  dying  creature  in  dying  circumstances.     If 

S has  received  my  last  letter,  he  is  prepared 

to  hear  the  worst,  or  rather,  I  should  say  the 
best,  for  to  die  is  gain,  great  gain;  yes,  glorious 
gain.     I  can  look  upon  death  without  fear — as  a 


READINESS   FOR   DEATH.  131 

friend,  not  as  an  enemy.  To  die  is  not  ceasing 
to  be ;  it  is  a  change  in  our  being,  which  intro- 
duces us  into  our  future  state." 

"May  12th. — Since  writing  the  above,  I  have 
been  much  worse,  but  I  feel  resigned  to  the  will 
of  my  Heavenly  Father.  He  knows  what  is  best 
for  me." 

She  died  at  sea  in  lat.  three  degrees  south,  and 
long,  twenty-nine  west,  aged  33  years. 

How  indefinite  the  index  that  points  us  to  the 
place  of  her  end  I  Yet  does  it  not  suggest  the 
thought  that,  far  away  on  the  tossing  billows,  that 
make  "  old  ocean's  grey  and  melancholy  waste," 
there  is  a  spot  made  sacred  as  the  place  of  her 
death  and  burial.  There  orphaned  wanderers 
wept,  and  sailor  hearts  softened  at  their  childish 
grief.  And  there  was  One  present,  who  knoweth 
his  own,  in  whatever  spot  of  earth  or  sea  they 
may  be  hidden,  and  who  will  at  last  gather  them 
all  to  himself  on  the  morning  of  the  resurrec- 
tion. 

Once  more,  and  we  have  done.  At  the  time 
of  Mrs.  Jones'  death,  an  association  of  Christian 
ladies  sustained  in  Boston  a  ministry  to  the  poor. 
This  circle  comprehended  many  who  were  to  her 
friends  of  youth,  beloved  ones,  whose  sympathy 
had  fanned  the  first  enkindling  of  her  missionary 
zeal.  In  that  solemn  hour  that  witnessed  the 
rending  of  cherished  hopes,  telh'ng  the  ''  home- 


132  COLMAN    AND    TVHEELOCK. 

ward  bound"  that  she  must  die  on  the  ocean, 
what  throngs  of  tender  remembrances  rushed  upon 
her  soul.  Must  she  forego  the  thought  of  seeing 
once  more  her  brothers,  her  sister,  her  Christian 
friends,  her  native  land  ?  How  vividly  now  came 
back  the  thoughts  of  her  early  days,  her  Christian 
vows,  and  among  these  sacred  recollections,  that 
associated  circle  of  friends.  Their  sweet  commu- 
nion in  social  prayer,  their  hymns  of  joyful  praise, 
mingled  softly  with  her  dreams  ;  broken  melodies 
of  old,  blending  themselves  with  the  creaking  of 
cordage  and  the  rushing  of  the  midnight  surge. 
Yes,  she  remembered  these.  True  to  the  in- 
stincts of  the  Christian  life,  she  remembered  also 
the  destitute.  The  jewels  which  were  hers  in 
India,  the  lavish  gifts  of  her  English  husband, 
perchance  her  bridal  ones,  she  bequeathed  to  this 
very  association,  "  to  be  sold  for  their  full  value." 
As  the  City  Missionary  went  from  house  to  house 
among  the  poor  and  miserable  of  a  crowded  city, 
the  Pariahs  of  the  Christian  world,  the  demands 
of  this  ministry  were  met,  during  a  portion  of  the 
year  1831,  by  the  avails  of  the  bequest  of  Mrs. 
Jones.  Two  years  after  the  same  association 
acknowledged  from  her  executors  in  Calcutta  a 
handsome  legacy — the  will  which  she  left  in  India 

«4r-     M.  .  .        -.        THE    END. 

475  Riverside  Drive  New  York  27,  H.  Y. 


DATE  DUE 

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Princeton  Theological  Seminary-Speer  Lit 


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